Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

‘Enough of Toxicity, I’ll Fight It Alone,’ Says Dr Sivaranjani Santosh After Resigning from IAP | EXCLUSIVE

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.

The Hyderabad-based pediatrician has been a key public health figure who fought for eight long years to stop FSSAI—the country’s apex food regulator—from using the term ORS by brands of fruit-based, non-carbonated beverages, in October last year.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/vinod-kambli-battles-memory-loss-at-54-signs-of-blood-clot-in-the-brain-article-154091493" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Vinod Kambli Battles ‘Memory Loss’ at 54; Signs of Blood Clot in the Brain</a>

She again voiced her concerns with the IAP when the manufacturer in January 2026 launched a rebranded version, ERZL for everyday hydration.

Dr Santosh opposed the move and called out on IAP to prevent the launch, saying it closely resembled ORS and could mislead people, especially those in rural areas. 

However, she did not receive any support from the IAP, and no action was taken. Rather, she received a legal notice from Kenvue over her comments. Kenvue Inc. is an American consumer health company and was formerly the Consumer Healthcare division of Johnson &amp; Johnson.

The notice from Kenvue claimed that Dr Santosh has been maligning the names of ORSL and ERZL for her "own commercial benefits" and for "increasing the number of followers" on her page.

Deeply saddened by the leadership at the IAP, which she alleged is supporting Kenvue, Dr Santosh resigned. She now vouches to fight alone.

“I thought enough of this toxicity. I'll fight it alone. All this while, if I could fight it alone, why can't I do it?” she told HealthandMe. 

<h2>What Is The Controversy About Dr Sivaranjani Santosh? </h2>

Dr Sivaranjani Santosh Resigns; Resolves To Fight the ORS Battle Alone #shorts #shortsfeed

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: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/company-sends-legal-notice-doctor-after-her-campaign-questions-fake-ors-labelled-hydration-drinks-article-153899468" data-type="tilCustomLink">Company Sends Legal Notice To Doctor After Her Campaign Questions Fake ORS-Labelled Hydration Drinks</a>

“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. 

<h2>What Is The Way Forward?</h2>

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.

HealthandMe is trying to reach out to the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP). The copy will be updated once a response is received.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

enough-of-toxicity-ill-fight-it-alone-says-dr-sivaranjani-santosh-after-resigning-from-iap-exclusive

Dr Sivaranjani Santosh

oral rehydration solution

ERZL

Indian Academy of Paediatrics

FSSAI

Kenvue

pediatrician

paracetamol

The Oats Way Out: Study Says Eating THIS Much Daily Can Reduce Bad Cholesterol

Diabetic Men Using Weight Loss Drugs May Develop Erectile Dysfunction: Study

Breast Cancer Screening: AI May Predict Tumours Before Mammograms Can Detect Them

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

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. The Hyderabad-based pediatrician has been a key public health figure who fought for eight long years to stop FSSAI—the country’s apex food regulator—from using the term ORS by brands of fruit-based, non-carbonated beverages, in October last year.Also Read: Vinod Kambli Battles ‘Memory Loss’ at 54; Signs of Blood Clot in the Brain She again voiced her concerns with the IAP when the manufacturer in January 2026 launched a rebranded version, ERZL for everyday hydration. Dr Santosh opposed the move and called out on IAP to prevent the launch, saying it closely resembled ORS and could mislead people, especially those in rural areas. However, she did not receive any support from the IAP, and no action was taken. Rather, she received a legal notice from Kenvue over her comments. Kenvue Inc. is an American consumer health company and was formerly the Consumer Healthcare division of Johnson & Johnson. The notice from Kenvue claimed that Dr Santosh has been maligning the names of ORSL and ERZL for her "own commercial benefits" and for "increasing the number of followers" on her page.Deeply saddened by the leadership at the IAP, which she alleged is supporting Kenvue, Dr Santosh resigned. She now vouches to fight alone. “I thought enough of this toxicity. I'll fight it alone. All this while, if I could fight it alone, why can't I do it?” she told HealthandMe. What Is The Controversy About Dr Sivaranjani Santosh?    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.

‘enough of toxicity, i’ll fight it alone,’ says dr sivaranjani santosh after resigning from iap | exclusive

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

‘Enough of Toxicity, I’ll Fight It Alone,’ Says Dr Sivaranjani Santosh After Resigning from IAP | EXCLUSIVE

Diabetic Men Using Weight Loss Drugs May Develop Erectile Dysfunction: Study

Breast Cancer Screening: AI May Predict Tumours Before Mammograms Can Detect Them

Over 3 Million Eye Drops Recalled By US FDA Over Sterility Concerns: Know How To Stay Safe

Health Conditions A-Z

The Oats Way Out: Study Says Eating THIS Much Daily Can Reduce Bad Cholesterol

Diabetic Men Using Weight Loss Drugs May Develop Erectile Dysfunction: Study

Breast Cancer Screening: AI May Predict Tumours Before Mammograms Can Detect Them