Sambalpur, Feb 16: Former BJD MLA from Western Odisha, Prof. Raseshwari Panigrahi is ill.

Dr. Panigrahi who has been undergoing geriatric care since months following physical injuries in her hand, reportedly became critical last evening. She is under treatment at home for neurological complications, said sources.

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

Before entering to active politics, Dr. Panigrahi had a distinguished career in medicine. She completed her MBBS from 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.