Senior oncologist and chairperson of the Adyar Cancer Institute Dr V Shanta passed away on Tuesday. She was 93.
Dr Shanta was a Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee and was renowned for her efforts for making quality and affordable cancer treatment accessible to everyone.
She was admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi on Monday after she complained of chest pain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Dr V Shanta and said she will be remembered for her outstanding efforts to ensure top-quality cancer care.
"Dr. V Shanta will be remembered for her outstanding efforts to ensure top-quality cancer care. The Cancer Institute at Adyar, Chennai is at the forefront of serving the poor and downtrodden. I recall my visit to the Institute in 2018. Saddened by Dr. V Shanta's demise. Om Shanti," Prime Minister tweeted.
Her body has been moved to the old Cancer Institute premises, which she helped build along with her mentor Dr. Krishnamoorthy.
The Padma Shri (1986) and Padma Bhushan (2006) awarded doctor was renowned for her efforts towards making quality and affordable cancer treatment accessible to all patients. She was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan and the Ramon Magsaysay awards.
Dr Shanta was the Chairman and Executive Chairman of the Cancer Institute (WIA) Chennai.
"Her entire medical life over 50 years has been dedicated to the mission of organising care of Cancer patients, the study of the disease, its prevention and control, the generation of specialists and scientists in different aspects of Oncologic Sciences," the Adyar Cancer Institute said.
The senior oncologist played an important role along with Dr. Krishnamurthi in the development of the Cancer Institute from a cottage hospital of 12 beds to a major comprehensive Cancer Centre of national and international stature.
