To unite all the neurologists across Odisha with clinical excellence and promote academic collaboration for neurological care to create awareness among people about advanced neurological treatment for a healthier brain.
We envision a world where every corner of Odisha receives neurological assistance through education, science, and collaboration.
Patient-centred care, honesty in practice, and empowering the future of neurology through advanced thinking, teamwork, and academic excellence.
The Neurology Association of Odisha (NAO) was officially formed in 2022 with the help of Odisha’s visionary neurologists to provide advanced neurological care, collaborate with professionals, and empower the public about neurohealth across the state. However, its roots date back to 1969, when neurology was first introduced at SCB Medical College, Cuttack, under the Department of Medicine. With continuous advancement in neurology, it became a solo unit in 1982. Since then, the unit has been led by many visionary neurologists across the state from different institutes. In 2019, the roadmap for NAO was initiated, and the vision turned into reality after 3 years. As of 2025, the association hosts over 70+ neurologists across Odisha. From inception to implementation- the journey is incredible and inspiring!
The journey began in 1969, when neurology was first introduced at SCB Medical College, Cuttack, under the Department of Medicine and Prof. (Dr.) Gopal Mitra became the first head of the department. By 1982, the Department of Neurology gained independence from General Medicine, and Prof. (Dr.) R.N. Sahoo took charge as the Head of the newly established standalone department.
Following Prof. Sahoo, Prof. (Dr.) Prabir Kumar Mohanty, a deeply respected neurologist, took over as the Head of the Department at SCB. In 1984, Dr. Maya Gantayet, an alumna of NIMHANS, joined the neurology services in Odisha. Her entry into the field marked a turning point for corporate neurology services and stroke interventional neurology in the state.
The legacy of leadership was carried forward by Prof. (Dr.) B.K. Kuanar, who served as Head of the Department at SCB.His popularity stemmed from his relentless efforts to make quality neurological care more accessible. Another stalwart in the field, Dr. Amiya Kumar Mohapatra, also joined to provide neurology services in Odisha.
A significant chapter began when Prof. (Dr.) Geeta Mohanty, trained at PGIMER, Chandigarh, assumed leadership at SCB. She also became a pioneer of neurological services in Western Odisha. Prof. (Dr.) Manoranjan Acharya, a brilliant clinician trained at BHU, joined SCB and later became the Head of the Department of Neurology at VIMSAR, Burla.
Under the dynamic leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mallick, an alumna of BHU, the Department of Neurology at SCB, gained national prominence and started the DM Neurology course in Odisha. After that, the neurology services expanded to AIIMS Bhubaneswar and MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, under the stewardship of Prof.(Dr.) Sanjeev Bhoi and Dr. Soumyadarshan Nayak, whose presence built neurological excellence in Eastern and Southern Odisharespectively.
The legacy continued to expand for DM and DrNB Neurology Courses in different medical institutions across Odisha, including KIMS, SUM Hospital, Apollo, Ashwini, and Kalinga Hospital etc. Finally, in 2022, the single department turned into a whole Neurology Association. As of 2025, the association proudly hosts over 70 neurologists and hopes to expand more in the future.
The Neurology Association of Odisha (NAO) was formed with a vision to create a professional platform that unites neurologists across the state, fostering academic growth, collaboration, and people’s services. Since its inception, NAO has evolved into a trusted platform that not only advances the field of neurology but also builds a strong sense of partnership among its members.
The journey of neurology in Odisha is a testament to visionary leadership
15 Neurologists across the state held a meeting to form NAO in 2019. Dr. B K Kuanar, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mallick, Dr. K P Swain , Dr. Bikash Mishra , Dr. Sanjeev Bhoi, Dr. Lulup ku sahoo played major role.
If you are a neurologist and want to get a membership in NAO, make an appointment through the official NAO website and submit the required documents. For more information, see the eligibility criteria in the member panel section.
Prof. Dr. BK Kuanar is the current president of NAO, and Dr. AK Mohapatra is the present elected president of NAO.
Nao website was formed in2025 by the then office bearers. Dr. soumyadarshan Nayak and Dr. Soumya Ranjan Pradhan played a major role.
