Indian pediatrician Dr Sivaranjani Santosh has resigned from the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) over lack of support, alleged threats, and false allegations, amid an ongoing controversy over the marketing of oral rehydration solution (ORS)-like products.
'Enough of Toxicity, I'll Fight It Alone,' Says Dr Sivaranjani Santosh After Resigning from IAP | EXCLUSIVE
Healthandme 3 weeks ago
Speaking to HealthandMe, the pediatrician narrated the ordeal - legal notices from pharmaceutical companies, false accusations of her integrity and character in the last few years.
Dr Santosh has been campaigning that commercial beverages labeled as ORS were often high in sugar and nutritionally different from the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended Oral Rehydration Solution, a life-saving treatment for dehydration.
Her fight began in 2022, when she filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Telangana High Court seeking directions for manufacturers to remove the letters "ORS" from the product name ORSL.
Eight years after the PIL, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in October 2025, banned the use of the 'ORS' label on beverages - including ORS that did not meet the WHO standards. The regulator deemed such branding to be misleading and a potential health risk, as many products contained excessive amounts of sugar compared to genuine medical ORS.
However, Kenvue launched a rebranded version, ERZL, in January this year. She again opposed and stated: "ERZL is not ORS. And it should not be given to children below two years of age".
Noting that her messages "upset these people", she faced a backlash, including a legal notice from the company.
According to Dr Santosh, attempts were also made to gather endorsements from pediatricians claiming that sucralose is safe and to submit these to the FSSAI. She publicly criticized the move, calling it "shameful."
Further, Dr Santosh also voiced out her concerns against IAP for allowing the company to set up a stall with the controversial product at the Pedicon, a major pediatric conference.
When she raised the matters on social media, the company made the statement: "Our products are very scientific. Some people are spreading misinformation and scientific information".
The pediatrician also claimed to have alerted IAP leadership weeks earlier, warning that the ERZL's branding could mislead people-especially in rural areas-into confusing it with ORS.
Also read: Company Sends Legal Notice To Doctor After Her Campaign Questions Fake ORS-Labelled Hydration Drinks
"We are not talking about the educated people who have been following this. We are talking about the ignorant poor people in the villages," the doctor said.
She further alleged that instead of backing her concerns, sections of the leadership attempted to discredit her.
Following a series of exchanges and growing tensions, she announced her resignation, citing a "toxic environment."
Dr Santosh said that "parallelly, the leadership was spreading messages to all the people that I am abusive and I'm arrogant." In response, she stated: "If I have to choose between children and IAP, I will choose children".
Amid the controversy, the IAP released a position statement on ORS and electrolyte drinks. The doctor criticised the statement as "ambiguous" and questioned its focus solely on sucralose, alleging a potential conflict of interest.
She added that Kenvue also marketed for "ERZL as the new form of ORSL", which also bypassed the FSSAI and Delhi High Court orders.
What Is The Way Forward?
Noting that her battle will continue against ERZL, Dr Santosh said she will continue advocating for child health issues in India
"I'm trying to raise awareness about first aid and CPR. I've trained so many people. Now I'm motivated."
The pediatrician also wants to advocate for safer drug formulations, restrictions on over-the-counter medicines, and wider awareness of first aid and CPR.
The list includes paracetamol, which is being sold under various names and doses in the country.
"We want one paracetamol in India".
HealthandMe is trying to reach out to the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP). The copy will be updated once a response is received.
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