We all know that in India, a Doctor had fought a difficult legal battle for around 8 years. Dr. Shivaranjani Santosh had won the case against sugary ORS drinks that are of less nutritional value and potentially harmful to children suffering from diarrhea.
But now, when the ORS manufacturers approached the Supreme Court of India that they already have a stock worth 180 crores. The ban of these sugary drinks was put on halt until the sale of their stock.
Do you think that this move of the Supreme Court of India serves justice to the Children of our Country? What are your views on this act to stay of the ban?
This is where ‘justice’ lags behind when it comes to the point of implementation!!!
The bigger cause to be looked here is the health of children- a huge number of children who would take such unhealthy/ harmful drink (medicine) in case of need. The Supreme Court or other related authority should deal with such companies who have stock of already manufactured ORS solutions in different ways, but not at the stake of human health (children’s health).
vThe Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily halt the ban clearly reflects the tension between public health priorities and commercial pressures. While the manufacturers’ financial concerns are understandable, children’s safety should never take second place. Sugary ORS formulations offer no clinical advantage and may even worsen dehydration risks , especially in vulnerable children. Dr. Shivaranjani Santosh’s long legal battle highlighted an important truth: ORS must be therapeutic, not market-driven. Allowing existing stocks to be sold delays necessary protection for families who may not know the difference between proper ORS and nutritionally poor sugary versions. Justice for children means prioritising evidence-based care over economic interests.
Definitely not. Even if a company was losing billions, they shouldn’t put anyone’s health at risk, especially kids. In this country, it feels like money always comes first, no matter the cost.