Eminent neurosurgeon, Padma Shri awardee Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra passes away

Bhubaneswar: Eminent neurosurgeon and Padma Shri awardee Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, who led the historic surgery to separate conjoined twins Jaga and Balia in 2017, passed away on Monday evening while undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. He was 73. 

Mahapatra, a former director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, had been unwell for some time. He was initially admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar after complaining of a headache. After his health deteriorated, he was shifted to AIIMS, New Delhi, on October 2 for advanced treatment.

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His demise has triggered widespread grief across Odisha, particularly among members of the medical fraternity and political leaders. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and several prominent personalities expressed their condolences, describing his death as an irreparable loss to the state's healthcare sector and the country.

In a condolence message posted on X, Majhi said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the renowned medical expert and Padma Shri awardee. He recalled Mahapatra's contributions to medical science, healthcare services and research, noting that his achievements had brought immense pride to Odisha and the country.

The Chief Minister also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to Lord Jagannath for peace for the departed soul.

Born in Odisha, Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra's journey was from a humble background to becoming one of India's most respected neurosurgeons. He completed his schooling in Biranarasinghpur village in Puri district and pursued his intermediate science studies at SCS College, Puri. He subsequently obtained his MBBS degree from MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, before completing his postgraduate studies at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

Mahapatra spent nearly 36 years at AIIMS, New Delhi, serving in various capacities and eventually becoming the head of its Department of Neurosurgery. His distinguished professional journey also included serving as the director of the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, from 2006 to 2009.  

In 2012, Mahapatra returned to his home state to take charge as the director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar. He continued as director until 2016, after which he returned to AIIMS, New Delhi.

Mahapatra earned national recognition for leading the complex surgical separation of conjoined twins Jaga and Balia, from Kandhamal district, at AIIMS, New Delhi, in October 2017. The highly challenging operation, which involved a multidisciplinary team of specialists, was hailed as a landmark achievement in India's medical history. His contributions to neurosurgery and medical education were recognised with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honours, reports Deccan Chronicle.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar, in a post on X, expressed profound grief over the demise of its founder director.

"With profound grief and a deep sense of loss, AIIMS Bhubaneswar mourns the untimely demise of its Founder Director, eminent Neurosurgeon, distinguished academician and Padma Shri awardee, Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace," the institution said.

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