Padma Shri Neurosurgeon Dr Ashok Mahapatra Dies at 74
Renowned neurosurgeon and Padma Shri awardee Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra passed away at the age of 74 while undergoing treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi.
Dr. Mahapatra had been receiving treatment since October 2, 2026, after initially being admitted to SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, with severe neurological complications.
He gained nationwide recognition for leading the historic 2017 surgery at AIIMS Delhi to separate Odisha’s conjoined twins, Jaga and Balia, from Kandhamal district.
Born on December 29, 1952, in Puri district, he completed his MBBS from MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, in 1975, followed by higher medical studies at AIIMS Delhi, where he earned an MCh in Neurosurgery in 1982.
During his distinguished career, he served AIIMS Delhi for 34 years in various capacities, including Professor, Head of Neurosurgery and Dean of Research. He also served as Director of SGPGI Lucknow (2006–2009) and the first Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar (2012).
At the time of his demise, he was serving as Principal Adviser (Health Sciences) at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, where he had earlier held the position of Vice-Chancellor. His contribution to medical science and neurosurgery leaves behind a remarkable legacy.
