Indian Doctor Takes Her Life Following US Visa Rejection: Mental Health Crisis Highlights Immigration Challenges

The body was handed over to the family members after post-mortem. (Representational)

Amaravati:

A 38-year-old female physician from Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh has reportedly taken her own life at her Hyderabad apartment due to depression over US visa denial, according to police officials on Sunday.

The tragedy was discovered on Saturday when family members, residing in another part of the city, broke into her apartment after receiving no response to knocks and found her deceased, authorities reported.

It was the household help who alerted the doctor's family members when Dr. Rohini failed to answer the door, police explained.

Following a post-mortem examination, the body was released to her family.

Preliminary information suggests she may have consumed excessive sleeping pills or self-administered an injection on Friday night, though authorities await the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death.

Investigators discovered a suicide note in the residence allegedly expressing her depression and mentioning the rejection of her visa application.

Lakshmi, the doctor's mother, revealed that her daughter had been eagerly anticipating relocating to the United States for employment but became depressed following the visa rejection.

Rohini had chosen to live in Padma Rao Nagar, Hyderabad, due to nearby libraries. She aspired to specialize in internal medicine, according to Lakshmi.

"She was a brilliant student who completed her MBBS in Kyrgyzstan between 2005 and 2010. Her academic performance was outstanding, and she harbored significant ambitions for her future," Lakshmi told PTI.

Lakshmi mentioned encouraging Rohini to remain in India to practice medicine, but her daughter countered that in the US, physicians see fewer patients daily while earning higher incomes.

Her mother added that Rohini's struggle with disappointment and depression had intensified recently as she awaited visa approval that never materialized, leaving her mentally exhausted and isolated.

Rohini remained unmarried, dedicating herself completely to her medical profession, Lakshmi noted. Meanwhile, Chilkalguda Police have registered a case.

Helplines

Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health

9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com

TISS iCall

022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)

(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.)