Sambalpur, Feb 16: Former Odisha MLA Dr. Raseshwari Panigrahi is no more.

The ace gynecologist and philanthropic leader passed away on Monday at 89 at her Sambalpur residence, said sources.

Dr. Panigrahi was undergoing geriatric care for months for physical injuries in her hand. However, she reportedly became critical last evening for neurological complications and was under treatment at home. Meanwhile, she succumbed to brain related ailments in the evening.

Dr. Panigrahi represented Sambalpur Assembly Constituency in the 2014 from the Biju Janata Dal(BJD) with a sizeable margin.

Before entering to active politics, Dr. Panigrahi had a distinguished career in medicine. She completed her MBBS from the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) and joined government service in 1972 as a Gynaecologist.

For the first time, she served as a physician at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Sundargarh.

Later, Dr. Panigrahi served as a professor at a medical college, continuing her contribution to healthcare until retirement. Following this, she joined the BJD with the induction of Naveen Patnaik, the party Supremo.

Sudden demise of the great woman belonging to Western Odisha, brought a pall of silence in the vicinity.