Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra: Padma Shri Awardee and Founding Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar Passes Away
Dr Mahapatra was widely respected for his outstanding contributions to neurosurgery, medical education, healthcare administration and medical research. He was the founding Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar and played a significant role in establishing the prestigious medical institution in Odisha.
His death has brought deep sorrow to the medical fraternity, academic community and people across Odisha.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on December 29, 1952, in Puri district of Odisha, Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra began his educational journey in his native state. He completed his MBBS from MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, in 1975.
He subsequently moved to AIIMS New Delhi for higher medical education, completing his Master of Surgery (MS) in 1979 and MCh in Neurosurgery in 1982. He also obtained a Diplomate of National Board (DNB) qualification.
His dedication to medical science and advanced surgical training helped him establish himself as a distinguished neurosurgeon in India.
A Distinguished Career at AIIMS New Delhi
Dr Mahapatra joined AIIMS New Delhi as a faculty member in 1983 and served the institution for nearly four decades.
During his long professional career, he held several important positions, including:
Professor and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery.
Chief of the Neurosciences Centre.
Dean of Research at AIIMS New Delhi.
His work covered complex neurosurgical procedures, medical research, teaching and the development of specialised healthcare services.
Founding Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar
One of the most significant contributions of Dr Mahapatra was his role in establishing AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
He was appointed the first Director of the institute in 2012 and served until 2016. Under his leadership, the institution developed its academic and medical infrastructure and introduced several educational programmes.
During this period, AIIMS Bhubaneswar expanded its medical education programmes, including MBBS, nursing, postgraduate and super-speciality courses.
His contribution helped lay the foundation for one of Odisha's most important government healthcare and medical education institutions.
Historic Surgery of Conjoined Twins Jaga and Kalia
One of the most memorable achievements of Dr Mahapatra's medical career was his leadership in the historic separation surgery of conjoined twins Jaga and Kalia in 2017.
The twins from Kandhamal district of Odisha were joined at the head, a rare and extremely complicated medical condition known as craniopagus.
Dr Mahapatra led a multidisciplinary team of specialists at AIIMS New Delhi in the challenging operation, which lasted more than 16 hours.
The successful separation of the twins became a landmark achievement in India's medical history and attracted national and international attention.
The operation demonstrated the capabilities of India's advanced neurosurgical teams and brought recognition to Indian medical science.
Director of SGPGIMS Lucknow and Vice-Chancellor of SOA University
Apart from his contributions to AIIMS, Dr Mahapatra also served as Director of the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, from 2006 to 2009.
Later, he served as Vice-Chancellor of Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) University in Bhubaneswar. He contributed to medical education, research and healthcare development in Odisha.
He was also associated with SOA University as a senior medical advisor.
Padma Shri Award for Contribution to Medicine
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of medicine, the Government of India honoured Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2025.
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
The honour recognised his decades of service in neurosurgery, medical research, healthcare administration and medical education.
A Great Loss for Odisha's Medical Community
The demise of Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra is a significant loss for Odisha and India's medical fraternity.
From his early medical education in Berhampur to leading prestigious medical institutions, his professional journey reflected decades of dedication to healthcare and medical science.
His contribution to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, leadership in the historic Jaga-Kalia surgery and commitment to medical education will remain an important part of India's healthcare history.
Dr Mahapatra's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of doctors, medical researchers and healthcare professionals.
Conclusion: Professor Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra will be remembered not only as an eminent neurosurgeon but also as an institution builder who brought national recognition to Odisha through his contribution to medical science. His service to humanity and the medical profession will remain an enduring legacy.
