Cancer crusader Dr.V.Shantha passes away

Dr .V.Shanta, one of the senior-most oncologists and who headed the Adyar Cancer Institute, died early Tuesday morning. She was 93. She joined the cancer institute about six decades ago as a resident medical officer, and since then, devoted her life to the field of oncology. Born in 1927 in a family that believed in educating women, she completed her MBBS in 1949 from the Madras Medical College and specialised in Gynaecology and Obstetrics.

In 1954, she joined the Adyar Cancer Institute, founded by Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy, one of the first women graduates of medicine in India and a legislator. After completing her PG in medicine, she assumed the role of the resident medical officer in 1955. She was also trained in Toronto and the UK in advanced cancer care in the 1960s. Dr Shantha won several awards for her selfless work including the Padma Vibhushan (2016), Padma Shri (1986), Padma Bhushan (2006) and the Magsaysay Award (2005).

She suffered from age related problems and had a stroke a decade ago, was active until her hospitalisation, her colleagues said.

The Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai was established more than 50 years ago by the Womens’ Indian Association Cancer Relief Fund under the leadership of Dr. Muthulakshi Reddy, as a “mission” to provide scientific treatment and promote health education.

“Medicine was considered an art- an art of listening, humanity and compassion. As knowledge increased along with the proliferation of sophisticated technology, the art of listening diminished and is gradually disappearing. Medicine which was an art and then a science, slowly reversed to being all about the science and the art component now forms an unequal partner. Technology is the new art of every doctor. We need to realize that a doctor-patient relationship is unique – it is sacred and one of confidence, trust and confidentiality”.

News Courtesy: Internet