Hyderabad Health Summit: Dr. Santosh Highlights Challenges in Healthcare

At the Hyderabad Health Summit, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh delivered a powerful speech addressing the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in India. Known as the 'ORS Lady,' she shared her experiences and sacrifices while advocating for better healthcare practices. Dr. Santosh emphasized the importance of maintaining the human touch in medicine, despite the growing role of technology. She also discussed the shifting public perception of doctors and called for reforms to rebuild trust in the doctor-patient relationship. Her advocacy against misleading marketing of rehydration drinks has led to significant regulatory changes, showcasing her commitment to public health.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 18:12 IST

Dr. Santosh's Inspiring Address at the Health Summit

The ongoing Health Summit in Hyderabad features a compelling speech by Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a renowned pediatrician affectionately known as India's "ORS Lady." Her eight-year campaign against misleadingly marketed rehydration drinks has garnered national attention. During her speech, she emphasized the real-life struggles faced by healthcare professionals and the impact of India's changing healthcare environment on the doctor-patient dynamic. Dr. Santosh highlighted the diverse challenges that Indian doctors encounter while treating patients from various socio-economic backgrounds, whether in bustling urban centers or remote rural areas. She poignantly shared her personal sacrifices, mentioning the numerous birthdays and anniversaries missed due to her commitment to patient care, stating, "Even when our people are sick at home, we are still treating another sick person." Yet, she expressed that the joy of reviving a patient or bringing relief to a family makes her work a privilege.

Technology's Impact and Public Perception of Doctors

The Role Of AI And Public Perception

Dr. Santosh also discussed the increasing influence of technology in healthcare, emphasizing that while AI can assist, it cannot replace the essential human touch or a doctor's clinical judgment and compassion. She noted a shift in public perception, where doctors, once viewed as family pillars, are now often seen as merely service providers due to rising healthcare costs. She defended the integrity of the medical profession, asserting that most doctors act with genuine intent and not ulterior motives. Furthermore, she criticized the inclusion of doctors under the Consumer Protection Act, arguing that it has transformed the doctor-patient relationship into a transactional one. This shift has led some physicians to hesitate in making critical decisions that could save lives. To restore trust, she advocated for transparent billing practices, enhanced empathy, and improved ethics training for new doctors, emphasizing that arrogance has no place in medicine. Dr. Santosh also called for strengthening public health infrastructure to ensure equitable access to care and urged the media to recognize the long hours and low compensation that many medical professionals face.

Dr. Santosh's Advocacy Against Misleading Marketing

For those unfamiliar, Dr. Santosh has dedicated eight years to combating the deceptive marketing of sugary drinks that misled consumers into confusing them with Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS). Her relentless advocacy led to a significant victory on October 14, 2025, when the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandated that the term 'ORS' could only be used for products meeting specific medical standards. This achievement was the result of years of hard work and perseverance, often facing challenges that were not as straightforward as she had hoped.