New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the demise of Dr V Shanta, one of the senior-most Indian oncologists who headed the Adyar Cancer Institute.

Shanta died early Tuesday morning in Chennai. She was 93.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said: "Dr V Shanta will be remembered for her outstanding efforts to ensure top quality cancer care in the country. 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,"

Shanta took her last breath at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai during treatment as doctors tried to remove a blockade in a blood vessel. She died around 3.55 am. She was admitted to the hospital after facing discomfort on Monday night.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced that Dr Shanta would be cremated with police honours.