New Delhi: HL November 03, 2026
India’s renowned neurosurgeon and Padma Shri awardee Professor Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra passed away on November 2, 2026, while undergoing treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi. He was 74. His death marks a major loss to India’s medical fraternity, particularly in the fields of neurosurgery, medical education and healthcare institution-building.
Dr Mahapatra was associated with several premier medical institutions across the country. He served as the President of AIIMS Bhopal, was the founding Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar and previously headed the Department of Neurosurgery at AIIMS New Delhi. He also served as Director of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow.
Odisha connection: From Puri to becoming a leading neurosurgeon
Born on December 29, 1952, in Puri district of Odisha, Dr Mahapatra completed his schooling in Biranarasinghpur village and pursued his intermediate education at SCS College, Puri.
He obtained his MBBS degree from MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, in 1975. He subsequently moved to AIIMS New Delhi, where he completed his MS in Surgery in 1979 and MCh in Neurosurgery in 1982.
His professional journey at AIIMS New Delhi began in 1983, where he served as a faculty member in the Department of Neurosurgery until 2017. He became a Professor in 1996 and Senior Professor in 2004. During his nearly 42-year association with the institution, he held several important academic and administrative positions, including Head of Neurosurgery, Chief of the Neurosciences Centre and Dean of Research.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar: Played a key role in building the institution
One of Dr Mahapatra’s most significant contributions to Odisha was his role in establishing AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
He was appointed its founding Director in August 2012 and served until 2016. Taking charge when the institution was at an early stage, he helped develop its academic and medical infrastructure.
During his tenure, MBBS, nursing, postgraduate and super-speciality programmes were introduced. He also facilitated the development of medical technology education at the institute, strengthening its role as a major centre for medical education and advanced healthcare in eastern India.
Jaga and Kalia: The historic surgery that brought him national recognition
Dr Mahapatra became a household name across India in 2017 when he led a multidisciplinary medical team at AIIMS New Delhi to separate Odisha’s conjoined twins, Jaga and Kalia.
The twins, who belonged to Kandhamal district of Odisha, were suffering from a rare condition called craniopagus, in which twins are joined at the head.
The highly complicated operation lasted approximately 16 hours and involved a team of around 30 specialists from different medical disciplines. The procedure required extensive surgical planning and expertise because of the complex connection between the twins’ skulls, blood vessels and brain structures.
Both children survived the historic operation. The achievement attracted national and international attention and became one of the most significant milestones in India’s paediatric neurosurgery.
The operation established Dr Mahapatra’s reputation as one of India’s leading neurosurgeons.
AIIMS Bhopal: Served as President
Dr Mahapatra also had an important association with AIIMS Bhopal, where he served as President of the institute.
His appointment reflected his extensive experience in medical administration, institutional development, academic leadership and advanced healthcare.
He was among the senior medical professionals associated with the governance of the AIIMS network, contributing his experience to the development of medical education and healthcare services.
Before taking charge at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr Mahapatra served as Director of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, from 2006 to 2009.
Major contribution to medical research and education
Dr Mahapatra was also recognised for his extraordinary academic contributions.
- Published approximately 870 research papers.
- Authored 16 medical books.
- Contributed more than 140 chapters to medical publications.
- Guided 12 PhD scholars.
- Undertook more than 20 research projects.
- Received over 75 awards and several lifetime achievement honours.
He also founded the Neurological Surgeons Society of India and the Indian Society of Peripheral Nerve Surgery in 2011, contributing to the advancement of neurosurgical education and research in India.
