Neurosurgeon Dr. Ashok Mahapatra passes away at 74

Eminent neurosurgeon and Padma Shri awardee Professor Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra has passed away at the age of 74 while undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He had been battling glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.

Dr. Mahapatra was a highly distinguished medical professional known for his pioneering work in neurosurgery and medical research. He gained international recognition in 2017 for leading the complex, 16-hour surgical separation of conjoined twins Jaga and Balia. His leadership roles included serving as the first Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Director of the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow, and Vice-Chancellor of SOA Deemed to be University.

The Odisha government is set to accord him a Guard of Honour upon the arrival of his mortal remains in Bhubaneswar. His final rites will be performed in his birthplace, Puri, with full state honours. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik have both expressed profound grief, describing his passing as an irreparable loss to the medical fraternity and the nation.