Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh's Ongoing Battle for Child Health Awareness
A Pioneering Advocate for Child Health
Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh gained recognition last year as a champion for parents concerned about ORSL, a product often mistaken for the WHO-approved ORS. Her relentless eight-year campaign prompted the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to take action against brands misusing the term 'ORS' on their products. While many viewed this as a victory, for Dr. Santosh, it marked just the beginning of a new chapter.
In a recent conversation, following her resignation from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), her tone reflected exhaustion rather than triumph. "If I must fight my battles alone without support from my organization, I will do so independently," she stated, not out of anger but acceptance. She had already been actively engaging with schools and authorities, raising awareness at the grassroots level, and even documenting pharmacies that continued to distribute ORSL when parents requested ORS.
What she did not foresee was the internal resistance she would face. Although the public narrative painted her as a victor against the system, her reality was much more complex. While she did not encounter direct backlash from companies, she faced a barrage of threats and insinuations questioning her credibility and funding sources. "I anticipated challenges, but the skepticism from my own professional community was unexpected," she confessed.
In March 2026, the situation escalated when she received a legal notice from a pharmaceutical company accusing her of making 'false and defamatory' statements online. This conflict centered around the rebranding of ORSL to ERZL, which she argues continues to confuse consumers. She explained, "The companies claim they have reduced sugar levels and replaced them with sucralose, an approved sweetener. However, I do not recommend sucralose for children, especially those under two, as it may exacerbate gut inflammation and disrupt the microbiome, leading to long-term health issues." She also stressed that such drinks should not be consumed regularly, a fact often overlooked in marketing.
The response from the IAP made matters even more challenging. "The IAP stated that sucralose is safe, which inadvertently bolstered the companies' position against me," she noted, her fatigue palpable. Instead of addressing the branding issues, she felt the institution had enabled the confusion. She highlighted the transition from ORSL to ERZL, which should not have continued according to regulatory guidelines. When she raised these concerns internally, she was met with dismissal and accusations of exaggeration. "It became unbearable. I reached my limit," she admitted.
Despite her resignation, Dr. Santosh remains committed to her cause, now without the expectation of institutional support. Her focus has broadened to encompass larger issues related to child safety and public health. She is actively training individuals in first aid and CPR, collaborating with medical professionals across Telangana to enhance safety in schools. Additionally, she is voicing concerns about the sale of over-the-counter medications in India, where multiple formulations with similar names can confuse parents and lead to mistakes. "Paracetamol is a prime example, with too many strengths available. Standardization is urgently needed," she stated.
What stands out in her narrative is not only the magnitude of the challenges she is tackling but also the clarity with which she perceives them. She acknowledges that these issues will not be resolved quickly. "This is an ongoing struggle. It seems simple, yet it feels like one small hand against a massive mountain right now." Nevertheless, she is determined to continue her fight on her own terms.