Dr. Shivranjani Santosh (also spelled Sivaranjani Santosh) is a passionate Hyderabad-based pediatrician, social activist, first-aid trainer, and fierce advocate for children’s health and transparent parenting. With nearly two decades of experience, she blends clinical expertise with a no-nonsense approach to busting myths that harm little ones.5

Early Life and Education

Born in Tanuku, Andhra Pradesh, to Dr. Mikkilineni Ramaprasad and the late Carnatic musician Mrs. Mikkilineni Laxmi Devi, Shivranjani showed brilliance early. She topped her CBSE 10th exams in the state and earned felicitation from former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. She pursued her MBBS and MD in Pediatrics from the prestigious JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research) in Puducherry — an institution she still holds close to her heart.14

She is married to Dr. R. Santosh, an endocrinologist, and they have a daughter, Aditi. After working in corporate hospitals, she now practices at Magna Centres for Obesity, Diabetes, and Endocrinology in Film Nagar, Hyderabad, where she focuses on preventive care, newborn guidance, breastfeeding support, and managing conditions like autism or developmental challenges in children.2

Beyond the clinic, she trains thousands in CPR and first aid (a mission she’s pursued for over 14 years) and writes articles to empower parents with science-backed advice. On her Instagram (@drsivaranjanionline), she comes across as the approachable doctor every parent wishes they had — warm, direct, and always ready with practical tips.

Why She Made Headlines: The 8-Year ORS Crusade

Dr. Shivranjani shot into the national spotlight in October 2025 when the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) issued a landmark directive banning the misuse of the term “ORS” (Oral Rehydration Salts) on sugary drinks and beverages that don’t meet strict WHO standards. This wasn’t overnight success — it was the climax of an eight-year solo battle she fought, often without much support.0

It all started around 2015. In her clinic, she kept seeing a disturbing pattern: children treated for diarrhea would return severely dehydrated or even need hospitalization. The culprit? Parents were giving them “flavored ORS” drinks — brightly packaged, tasty liquids loaded with sugar (sometimes up to 120g per liter) but lacking the precise electrolyte balance of genuine medical ORS. These products were marketed cleverly with prominent “ORS” labels, creating the false impression they were lifesaving rehydration solutions. In reality, the high sugar could worsen dehydration in diarrheal cases, a leading killer of children in India.16

“I couldn’t ignore it anymore,” she has shared in interviews and emotional videos. “These weren’t just drinks — they were being sold in pharmacies right next to real medicines, confusing desperate parents. Genuine ORS has saved millions of lives by reducing diarrhea deaths by over 90% when used correctly. But these sugary versions? They were putting kids at risk while shifting blame onto doctors when things went wrong.”

She began raising awareness on social media, educating parents, writing to regulators, and even filing multiple Public Interest Litigations (PILs), including one in the Telangana High Court in 2022. There were lonely nights of research, pushback from peers and industry, and immense pressure. Yet she persisted, almost single-handedly for years.3

Her efforts gained massive traction when a social media post before a court hearing went viral, rallying public and medical support. In October 2025, FSSAI finally clarified: No beverage or ready-to-drink product can use “ORS” unless it strictly follows the WHO formula. She posted an emotional video, tears in her eyes: “We have won! This is for every child who suffered unnecessarily.”

The victory wasn’t without drama. In early 2026, she received legal notices from major companies (linked to brands like ORSL/ERZL) accusing her of defamation for continuing to highlight misleading labeling. She refused to back down, holding press conferences and declaring that silencing doctors on public health issues would harm society. Medical students’ associations and influencers like Food Pharmer backed her, calling it an attack on free speech and child safety. The fight continues as she flags new “ORS-like” products sneaking onto shelves.18

A Humanized Glimpse with Dialogue

Imagine this scene in her Hyderabad clinic a few years ago:

A worried mother rushes in with her toddler, who’s been vomiting and has loose motions for two days. “Doctor ma’am, I gave him that tasty orange ORS from the pharmacy — the one with ‘ORS’ written big on the packet. But he’s getting worse!”

Dr. Shivranjani examines the child, her face serious but kind. She sighs and says gently, “Beta, that ‘tasty ORS’ is the problem. Real ORS isn’t supposed to taste like candy — it’s a precise medical formula to rehydrate safely. These sugary drinks? They’re more like soft drinks in disguise. They can pull more water into the gut and make dehydration dangerous. From today, we’ll use proper WHO-standard ORS, and I’ll show you exactly how to prepare it at home if needed.”

The mother looks shocked. “But the shopkeeper said it’s the best for kids!”

Dr. Shivranjani smiles firmly, the fire in her eyes evident. “That’s exactly why I’ve been fighting for years. Companies make millions by confusing parents. But I see the children who end up in hospital because of it. One voice can change things — and I’m not stopping until every parent knows the truth.”

That determination defines her. She’s not just a doctor; she’s a parent educator who believes in science over slick marketing, and in protecting the most vulnerable.

Today, Dr. Shivranjani continues her work — training people in life-saving skills, guiding new moms, and keeping a watchful eye on misleading products. Her story is a reminder that one determined pediatrician, armed with evidence and empathy, can take on powerful interests and win big for India’s children. If you’re a parent in Hyderabad or beyond, her advice is worth following: always check labels carefully, especially when it comes to your child’s health.