Raseswari Panigrahi, a prominent gynaecologist and former member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, died Feb. 16, 2026, following neurological complications. She was 79.
After earning her medical degree from the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Panigrahi began her government medical service in 1972. She specialized in gynaecology and gained a reputation as a medical authority in Western Odisha and neighboring Chhattisgarh. During her decades of practice, she provided free medical care to patients from marginalized communities.
Panigrahi entered public office after her retirement from medicine. She joined the Biju Janata Dal and won election to the 15th Odisha Vidhan Sabha from the Sambalpur constituency in 2014. As a physician in the halls of power, she focused on healthcare access and social welfare.
Her commitment to service included pledging her entire legislative pension to a charitable trust named after her parents. This foundation supported various philanthropic initiatives during the final years of her life. Panigrahi continued her charitable work and medical advocacy until her passing in early 2026.