In Focus by The Hindu What is ORS and why did Dr. Sivaranjani take the label to court?
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Nov 8, 2025 Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a dedicated paediatrician from Hyderabad, leads a crucial fight against misleading ORS labeling to protect child health. She highlights the proper composition of WHO-recommended ORS and the dangers of high-sugar alternatives. Discussing her advocacy efforts, she recounts the legal battle that concluded with a Delhi High Court ruling banning ‘ORS’ on food products. Dr. Santosh emphasizes the harmful effects of dehydration in children and urges vigilance in purchasing safe ORS solutions.
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ORS Is A Precise, Life-Saving Medicine
- ORS is a precise medical formulation that rehydrates via the sodium-glucose co-transporter.
- Using the correct reduced-osmolarity formula prevents most diarrhea deaths in children.
Give Matching Sodium And Glucose
- Give WHO-recommended ORS for dehydration because sodium and glucose must match to use the sodium-glucose co-transporter.
- Avoid improvised high-sugar beverages that fail to deliver proper electrolytes and rehydration.
How To Make Correct ORS
- Prepare WHO-recommended ORS exactly: 2.6 g NaCl, 13.5 g glucose, 1.5 g KCl, 2.9 g trisodium citrate per litre.
- If making at home, use 1 tsp sugar and a pinch of salt in 200 ml water or 6 tsp sugar and 1/2 tsp salt per litre.