Home / Health / Padma Shri Neurosurgeon Dr. Ashok Mahapatra Dies at 74
Padma Shri Neurosurgeon Dr. Ashok Mahapatra Dies at 74
3 Nov
Summary
- Eminent neurosurgeon Dr. Ashok Mahapatra died at 74.
- He was awarded Padma Shri in 2024 for medical contributions.
- He led India's first craniopagus twins separation surgery.
Eminent neurosurgeon Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, a Padma Shri awardee, died on Monday night at the age of 74. He had been undergoing treatment for neurological ailments at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. His passing was announced on Tuesday, prompting widespread tributes.
Dr. Mahapatra received the Padma Shri in 2024 for his significant contributions to medical science. He gained national recognition for leading a 16-hour surgery in 2017 to successfully separate craniopagus twins Jaga and Kalia from Odisha, a procedure noted as the first of its kind in India. His expertise and dedication to neurosurgery were widely acknowledged.
Beyond his surgical achievements, Dr. Mahapatra played a pivotal role in establishing AIIMS in Bhubaneswar, serving as its inaugural director. After his retirement from AIIMS, he continued his career in academia, joining the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital and later serving as Vice-Chancellor of SOA for two years. His absence is deeply felt by the medical fraternity.
