Eminent oncologist, Padma Shri Dr Pankaj Shah, passes away at 76

Ahmedabad: Dr. Pankaj Shah, one of India's most respected medical oncologists and a Padma Shri awardee, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 76. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of excellence in cancer care and compassionate service.

Dr. Shah was one of Gujarat's most respected cancer specialists and was widely admired for his decades-long commitment to providing quality and affordable treatment to cancer patients. His contributions to the field of oncology earned him immense respect within the medical fraternity as well as among countless patients and their families.

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A senior oncologist and haematologist, Dr Shah was a key pillar of Zydus Cancer Hospital. At the time of his passing, he served as Vice President of the Gujarat Cancer Society, Special Advisor to the Chairman of the Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute (GCRI), Professor Emeritus of Medical Oncology at GCRI, and Trustee of Sadvichar Parivar.

Over his distinguished career, he held several prominent leadership positions. He served as Director of GCRI from 2002 to 2011 and earlier as Chief of Medical Oncology from 1973 to 2002. He was also the founder teacher of the DM Medical Oncology programme at Gujarat University (1993–2011) and served as Secretary of the Gujarat Cancer Society between 1994 and 2002.

At the national level, Dr. Shah held top positions in medical associations, including President of the Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology (1997–1999) and President of the Indian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (1993–1994).

Dr. Shah's exceptional contributions to medicine were recognised with several prestigious honours. In 2018, he was conferred the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards. He also received Dr. B. C. Roy Award (2005), the Excellence in Oncology Award (2007), and the Madan Mohan Ramanlal GCRI Luminary Oration Award (2012). An accomplished academician and researcher, Dr. Shah authored 182 scientific publications.

According to Ahmedabad Mirror, his final journey will begin from his residence at Karmayog Heights, near the St. Xavier's College–HL Commerce College junction in Navrangpura, and proceed to the VS Crematorium at Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad. The last rites will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday.

Paying tribute on social media, Union Home Minister Amit Shah described Dr. Shah’s passing as an “irreparable loss to the healthcare world,” adding that he dedicated his life to cancer treatment and research and helped give “new life to countless patients.”

Dr. Pankaj Shah’s passing is being widely mourned across the medical fraternity and by countless patients and families whose lives he touched.

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