THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 2, 2026
Eminent neurosurgeon, Padma Shri awardee and former founding Director of
AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, who scripted medical
history by leading the landmark separation of craniopagus
(conjoined-at-the-head) twins Jaga and Balia in 2017, died while undergoing
treatment at AIIMS New Delhi on Monday evening. He was 73.
One of India's most distinguished neurosurgeons, Dr. Mahapatra had been
admitted to SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar after complaining of severe headache
and head pain. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to AIIMS New Delhi
on October 2, where he breathed his last in the neurosurgery department. He was
reportedly suffering from complications related to a brain ailment.
His death marks the end of an illustrious medical career spanning nearly
four decades, during which he emerged as a towering figure in Indian
neurosurgery, particularly in the fields of paediatric neurosurgery and complex
brain surgery.
Dr. Mahapatra became a household name, particularly in Odisha, following
his leadership of the historic separation of Kandhamal-born craniopagus twins
Jaga and Balia in 2017 at AIIMS New Delhi. The unprecedented, multi-stage
surgical undertaking, involving nearly 30 specialists from different
disciplines and hours of painstaking procedures, was the first successful
operation of its kind in India.
The complex surgery, which captured national attention and brought
renewed hope to families of children suffering from rare and complicated
medical conditions, remained one of the defining achievements of his
professional life. Dr. Mahapatra often described the operation as a landmark
milestone in his career.
Born on December 29, 1952, in Puri district of Odisha, Dr. Mahapatra
completed his medical education at MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, before
moving to AIIMS New Delhi, where he obtained his MS and MCh degrees in
Neurosurgery. He subsequently spent close to four decades at the premier
medical institution, rising through the ranks to become Head of the Department
of Neurosurgery, Chief of the Neurosciences Centre and Dean of Research.
A distinguished academician and institution-builder, he served as
Director of the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences
(SGPGI), Lucknow, and later as Vice-Chancellor of Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA)
University, Bhubaneswar. He was associated with the university in his later
years as its Principal Advisor (Health Sciences).
His most significant contribution to Odisha's medical landscape was arguably
his role as the founding Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, a position he assumed
in 2012. He played a pivotal role in building the institution during its
formative years, helping lay the foundation for its emergence as a major centre
of advanced healthcare, medical education and research in eastern India.
Beyond his achievements in the operating theatre, Dr. Mahapatra made
substantial contributions to medical research and education. He authored and
contributed to hundreds of scientific publications and several books, while
mentoring generations of neurosurgeons. His expertise and contributions earned
him recognition as one of the leading figures in paediatric neurosurgery.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to medicine and public
service, he received the C V Raman Award for Scientific Excellence from the
Odisha Bigyan Academy in 2022. The Government of India conferred the Padma Shri
on him in 2024, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the prestigious
civilian honour in 2025.
Colleagues and admirers remember Dr. Mahapatra as a compassionate yet
resolute surgeon who believed in pursuing an operation whenever there was a
reasonable possibility of saving a patient's life. His clinical acumen,
commitment to medical research and administrative vision were matched by his
deep attachment to his native Odisha.
His demise has sent shockwaves through the medical fraternity and
triggered an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, colleagues,
students and admirers across the country.
For Odisha, Dr. Mahapatra was more than an internationally recognised
neurosurgeon. He was a son of the soil who carried the state's name to the
forefront of global medical achievements while helping build an institution
that continues to serve millions.
From the historic separation of Jaga and Balia to the establishment of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, his life and work stand as an enduring testament to medical excellence, courage and service to humanity.
Indian neurosurgery has lost one of its most accomplished practitioners, while Odisha has lost a distinguished son whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of doctors and medical researchers.
