In a major loss to India’s medical domain, senior oncologist and chairperson of the Adyar Cancer Institute Dr V Shanta passed away on Tuesday morning in the early hours at the age of 93.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the list of public figures to condole her demise. “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,” he said in a tweet.
She was admitted to a private hospital in the city last night after she complained of chest pain. Her body has been moved to the old Cancer Institute premises, which she helped build along with her mentor Dr. Krishnamoorthy.
What was the contribution of V Shanta in India’s medical landscape?
Dr V Shanta was renowned for her efforts towards making quality and affordable cancer treatment accessible to all patients..
Here are few things to know about the veteran oncologist:
- In the years when Indian women who entered the medical profession generally took obstetrics and gynecology, Shanta wanted to be different. She decided to join the Cancer Institute instead, upsetting many people in her family.
- V Shanta was awarded with cibilian hnours Padma Shri in 1986 and Padma Bhushan in 2006.
- 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.
- 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.