Veteran oncologist and Director of Adyar Cancer Institute Dr. Shanta passed away on the morning of January 19 due to age related ailments. She was 93.
Dr. Shanta was admitted to a private hospital last night after she complained of chest pain. She passed away today morning at around 3:55 AM.
Born in 1927, Dr. Shanta completed her MBBS from the Madras Medical College in 1949, D.G.O. in 1952, and M.D. in Obstetrics & Gynecology in 1955. She joined the Adyar Cancer Institute later to the upset of her family members as women generally took obstetrics and gynecology in those days.
Dr. Shanta was instrumental in building the Adyar Cancer Institute founded by Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, one of the first woman doctors and the first woman legislator.
What was a 12-bed cottage hospital functioning out of a single building, the Cancer Institute grew under her auspices and is now a world class cancer treatment facility catering to the poor.
Dr. Shanta is a recipient of the Padma Shri (1986), Padma Bhushan (2006), and Padma Vibushan (2016). She was also conferred the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006
Dr. Shanta was a member of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission for Health and was a strong advocate of early detection of cancer. She wanted to change the public perception of the disease being incurable.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences recalling his visit to the Cancer Institute in 2018.
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. pic.twitter.com/lnZKTc5o3d
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2021