Eminent neurosurgeon and Padma Shri recipient Professor Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra passed away on Monday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He was 74 years old and was receiving specialized care for complex neurological conditions. He is survived by his wife and a daughter. His passing has triggered widespread grief across India's healthcare community and beyond.
Health Battle and Medical Treatment in the Capital
Dr Mahapatra was battling glioblastoma, an aggressive and severe form of brain cancer, over an extended period. Following a worsening in his condition, he was airlifted from Bhubaneswar to AIIMS New Delhi on October 2 last month. Medical teams were treating him for a brain stroke at the premier medical centre, where he breathed his last during treatment on Monday night. His mortal remains are scheduled to be brought to Bhubaneswar on Tuesday for the final rites.
The Landmark Separation of Conjoined Twins Jaga and Kalia
One of the defining milestones of Dr Mahapatra's illustrious career came in 2017, when he directed the groundbreaking operation to separate craniopagus conjoined twins from Odisha, named Jaga and Kalia. Conducted at AIIMS New Delhi, the complex procedure spanned 16 intense hours. Widely recognized as the first successful cranial separation surgery of its kind in India, the medical feat garnered widespread public and scientific acclaim.
Founding AIIMS Bhubaneswar and Receiving the Padma Shri
In recognition of his distinguished contributions to neurosurgery, research, and public health, Dr Mahapatra was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri national honour in 2024. Beyond surgical excellence, he played an instrumental part in building healthcare institutions, notably steering the establishment of AIIMS Bhubaneswar in Odisha and serving as its first appointed Director.
Tributes Across the Political and Medical Spectrum
Condolences poured in from major leaders following the news of his death. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conveyed deep sorrow on social platform X, noting that Dr Mahapatra elevated the stature of both Odisha and India as a pioneering figure in medical science whose contributions to patient care and research will endure.
Former Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik also paid tribute on X, describing Dr Mahapatra's demise as an irreparable loss for the state and the country. He emphasized that the late doctor's role in establishing advanced medical infrastructure in Odisha will always be remembered with respect.
