Posted By :  

A major controversy arose at the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) conference in Hyderabad after a well-known paediatrician, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, criticized the promotion of a sugary drink called ORSL. The drink was advertised as a health drink at the event, which Dr. Santosh believes sends the wrong message about children's health. She expressed concern that the conference, meant to focus on child welfare, was endorsing a product high in sugar.  

Dr. Shivaranjani Santosh highlighted that ORSL contains about five teaspoons of sugar in just 200 ml, far exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended sugar limit. She warned that giving such sugary drinks to children, especially those with diarrhoea, could worsen their health instead of helping them. ORSL is marketed as an oral rehydration solution (ORS), but its sugar content is much higher than what is safe for children.  

In 2022, Dr. Shivaranjani Santosh took legal action by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to ban the use of the term "ORS" for drinks that don't meet health standards. This legal case is still pending in the Telangana High Court. She has been consistently raising awareness about misleading advertisements that could harm children's health.  

Dr.Shivaranjani Santosh criticized the IAP for allowing such promotions, calling it unethical. She argued that the organization, which should prioritize children's health, was instead supporting unhealthy products. She believes this sends a wrong and harmful message to the public.  

The incident has sparked a wider debate about the marketing of sugary drinks as health products. Health experts have warned that consuming sugary beverages increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. There is growing concern about how such drinks are promoted, especially when they target children's health.  

While some members of the IAP have responded by saying that parents are responsible for their children's choices, Dr. Shivaranjani insists that medical organizations should take a firm stand. She continues to push for stricter rules to prevent misleading promotions and protect children's health.