An aspirant doctor died in Peshawar – purportedly through suicide – after failing to pass the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) in his third attempt, sources said on Tuesday.

The deceased was a student of Zoology at the Islamia College Peshawar and had failed to clear the MDCAT in his previous two attempts, they added.

According to the provost of the college, the student was found in critical condition by his roommate in the college hostel after he swallowed Aluminum Phosphide (pesticide) on November 27.

The roommate informed the warden who along with other officials moved the deceased to Khyber Teaching Hospital.

The aspirant doctor was put on a ventilator after his condition deteriorated, the provost said, adding that the student died early morning today (Tuesday).

The hospital administration handed over the body to the family who took him to their hometown Parachinar.

What to do if someone exhibits intent of self-harm

Anxiety and depression is the bane of modern life. But help is just around the corner. If you …

• Are feeling depressed
• Are feeling stressed because of your challenging work environment
• Are suffering from anxiety due to another physical illness
• Have recently been diagnosed with a mental illness
• Your doctor has suggested you to seek counseling
• Feel that no one understands you

You can get in touch with the following mental health helplines and speak to them.

• Umang 0317 4288665
• Umang 0311-7786264
• Mind Organisation 042 35761999
• Talk2me.pk 0333 4065139
• Baat Karo 0335 5743344
• Taskeen 0332 5267936
• Rooh 0333 3337664
• Rozan 0800-22444
• OpenCounseling 042 35761999

Here’s what you should do if someone you know exhibits signs of suicide or a tendency to isolate or self-harm:

• Try to make sure they are not left alone
• Remove any objects they could use to harm themselves.
• Take or encourage the person to seek help from a medical or mental health professional