Dr. V Shanta (93), the renowned veteran oncologist and Chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute (Chennai) breathed her last during the early hours of Tuesday. The famous cancer specialist felt chest pain last night, following which she was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai. In the early morning, the news of her demise came out.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tweeted condolences on the veteran doctor’s demise, adding that her tireless effort was always there to ensure cancer patients and their families with high-end cancer care facilities.
“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”, captioned the Prime Minister along with the 2 snaps he posted on his Twitter handle. The snaps are from his visit to Adyar Cancer Institute in 2018, where he has shared the frame with Dr. V Shanta.
Dr. Shanta was honored by the Centre with Padma Shri (1986) and Padma Bhushan (2006) awards for her relentless effort towards giving the people of the weaker economy class an affordable yet top-quality cancer treatment and building up the cancer institute with the help of her mentor Dr. Krishnamoorthy.
“Her entire medical life over 50 years has been dedicated to the mission of organizing 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 stated to the media.
Chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand recollected that Dr Shanta had treated his mother and said that she will be missed by many. “Really saddened to hear the passing away of one of Chennai’s most respected citizen. Dr V Shanta. Her work and dedication in cancer care has touched so many lives. She treated my mother. Her presence will be missed but I’m sure her work will be continued at the Cancer Institute,” he said.