Chennai: Senior Oncologist Dr. V. Shanta (93) passed away in the early hours of Tuesday here due to breathing complications. 

A cancer crusader and Chairperson of the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai, she made treatment for cancer affordable for all the patients. 

Dr. Shanta had complained of difficulty in breathing and discomfort and was rushed to Apollo Hospital in Chennai. However, as the doctors were attempting to remove a block in the blood vessel, she passed away at around 3.55 am. Her body was kept at the old building of the Cancer Institute in Adyar for people to pay their respects.

In 1954, Muthulakshmi Reddy, MD, the first woman medical graduate of India along with Women’s India Association (WIA) founded the first cancer centre — Cancer Institute — in the Southern States and Dr. Shanta soon joined the Institute as the Medical Officer. After three years, she moved into the Cancer Institute and had been at the Institute since April 13, 1955.

Several doctors, members of the medical fraternity as well as politicians have expressed condolences on social media. “Dr. V. Shanta, Chairperson of the Adyar Cancer Institute is no more. Forever in service of the poor and needy, she lived in a room within the Hospital premises, with the singular mission of cancer cure. A saint, no longer among us,” wrote Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.