Despite an intense and continued heatwave gripping much of Pakistan, with temperatures surpassing 45°C in cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Multan, medical and dental students will not receive traditional summer vacations this year.
The decision comes after delays in the admission process and other administrative setbacks caused the academic session for 2024-2025 to begin late, in April.
As a result, there’s little flexibility in the calendar, and most students will only get a symbolic one-week break in July, if that. At some institutions, students have been told there will be no summer break at all.
This is especially challenging for second and third-year students, who are trying to adapt to the recently introduced MBBS curriculum modules.
Many say the demanding academic schedule without proper rest is seriously affecting their physical and mental health.
“We’re expected to perform at our best, but the system is burning us out,” shared a third-year student from King Edward Medical University.
Conditions in hostels are adding to students’ frustrations. Many halls either lack air conditioning or have frequent breakdowns, making the extreme heat unbearable.
“We’re studying medicine, but we’re being forced to live in conditions that are hazardous to our health,” said a second-year dental student from Karachi.
In search of relief, some students have taken to sleeping in common areas or libraries where temperatures are slightly more bearable.
The situation has sparked frustration among students, who argue that only those in the medical and dental fields are being denied a summer break, while peers in other academic programs continue to enjoy regular holidays.
Student bodies are urging university administrations and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to review the academic calendar and make student welfare a priority.