Well-known surgery specialist Satyabrata Mahapatra passed away at his residence in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. He was 82. Mahapatra, born in Paralakhemundi of Gajapati district in 1941, was a student leader. He was a first batch student of the Brahmapur Medical College. Besides, he was president of the students’ union.
As a doctor he worked in the Chhatrapur, Khordha and MKCG Hospitals, he was popular among the common people as well as the poor. Though he had conducted thousands of surgeries, he did not charge fees to the patients.
Mahapatra was influenced by socialist leaders Ram Manohar Lohia and Rabi Ray and used to lead a simple life. His cremation was held at the Swargadwar in Puri. Former Jharkhand Health Minister Dinesh Sarangi, social activist Prafulla Samantara and ‘Nabin’ editor Rabi Rath have expressed deep grief over his demise.