Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohapatra, the country's renowned neurosurgeon and Padma Shri awardee, has passed away. There is a wave of mourning in the medical world due to his demise. He gave new life to thousands of patients in his long medical career and created his own unique identity in the field of complex neurosurgery. Dr. Mahapatra was among those physicians who made significant contributions in the treatment of patients suffering from serious and complex neurological diseases. He performed many challenging operations during his career and gave new hope to life even to such patients whose chances of recovery were considered extremely low. Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra served for a long time in the field of neurosurgery. He is recognized across the country for his expertise in the treatment of serious diseases related to the brain and nervous system.
Neurosurgeon and Padmashri awardee Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra passed away at the age of 74. He breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. He was undergoing treatment for neurological disease here. His family has informed about his demise. However, the detailed information about the kind of neurological disease Dr. Mahapatra was suffering from has not been made public. There is a wave of mourning in the medical world due to the news of his demise.
Used to treat mental illness of others
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra was not only known as a skilled neurosurgeon, but he was also a physician whose experience and expertise were deeply trusted by his patients. Neurosurgery is a complex field of medicine that requires utmost care and precision in the treatment of diseases related to the brain and spinal cord. Even a small mistake can pose a serious threat to the patient. Dr. Mahapatra had distinguished himself by his expertise in such challenging cases. Ironically, he himself had to be hospitalized due to a neurological disease related to the medical field to which he had devoted his entire life. This doctor, who saved the lives of others and gave them new hope, was undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Delhi. But despite all medical efforts, he could not be saved.
Some senior doctors say that it would not be appropriate to see this incident in the form that Dr. Mahapatra could not recognize his disease or could not treat it. Actually, the detailed information about which neurological disease he had has not been made public by the family.
Jagga-Kalia, conjoined twins, were separated
The biggest achievements of Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohapatra's medical career include the complex operation of 2017, which made headlines across the world. At the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, he played a key role in the surgery to separate conjoined twins Jagga and Kalia. This operation, which lasted for about 16 hours, was counted among the most challenging surgeries of medical science. Both children were craniopagus twins. This is a rare medical condition in which the skulls of twins are fused together. To separate such children, complex surgery has to be done on the brain and its associated sensitive blood vessels.
A large team of doctors had prepared for a long time for this challenging operation. It was a big challenge for the doctors to safely separate the two children during surgery. Dr. Mahapatra was among the experts who played a leading role in this historic medical effort. This achievement brought him recognition not only in the country but also at the international level. This surgery became an example that very complex challenges can be faced in medical science through expertise, patience, better planning and teamwork.
Also played an important role in the establishment of AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohapatra's contribution was not limited to operation theater only. Along with medical services, he also played an important role in building institutions and strengthening medical education. He had made significant contributions in establishing AIIMS Bhubaneswar and developing it as a premier medical institute. He became the first director of the institute. During his tenure, he worked towards strengthening the systems related to medical education, patient treatment and research. His endeavor was to develop the institute as a center of better medical facilities and quality education. Even after retirement, he continued his association with the fields of medicine and education. He remained associated with IMS and SUM Hospital as Consultant in Medical Sciences. Apart from this, from the year 2020 to 2022 he also held the responsibility of Vice Chancellor of SOA University. His journey shows that he was not only a skilled neurosurgeon, but he also played an important role in building medical institutions, medical education and preparing the new generation of doctors.
Padmashri award was received in 2024, leaders of Odisha expressed grief
In view of his remarkable contribution in the field of medicine, the Government of India honored Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra with the Padma Shri award in the year 2024. The honor was a national recognition of his long medical career and contributions to health services. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over his demise. Founder President of SOA University, Dr. Manoj Ranjan Nayak also expressed grief over his demise. Describing Dr. Mahapatra as a giant of neurosurgery, Dr. Nayak said that apart from being a great doctor, he was also a good guide. He described his demise as a big loss for the medical world.
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