Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh's Ongoing Battle Against Fake ORS Products
Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh's Fight Against Misleading ORS Products
Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh has become a prominent figure in the fight against companies distributing counterfeit Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) in India. Her efforts gained significant attention when the Delhi High Court upheld the FSSAI's prohibition on food and beverage manufacturers from using the term 'ORS' unless their products adhered to the stringent medical formulation guidelines set by the WHO. Many parents recall the emotional moment when Dr. Sivaranjani celebrated this verdict, a testament to her years of advocacy against misleading ORS-like products that jeopardized children's health.
She revealed that numerous brands were marketing sugary drinks as ORS, despite their failure to provide the necessary electrolyte balance for effective medical rehydration. Recently, Dr. Sivaranjani surprised many by temporarily leaving Instagram, a platform she utilized to raise awareness about health issues often overlooked. However, she returned quickly, expressing her determination to continue her mission. In a conversation, she stated, “I was feeling quite low yesterday, but I realized I couldn't stay away for long. There’s so much work to be done, and I can’t tackle this alone. The influence of pharmaceutical companies on medical decisions is something I must address.”
Initially, Dr. Sivaranjani was affiliated with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), but she claims that during her advocacy, she encountered unexpected resistance from the very organization she believed would support her. In a previous video discussion after her resignation, she expressed her frustration at being questioned by the association she once trusted. Although her resignation was accepted, the backlash persisted, with ongoing smear campaigns suggesting she was financially motivated to support her causes or that she sought payment from companies to remain silent. The public scrutiny and efforts to undermine her credibility continued even after she distanced herself from the organization.