3 Things Fake ORS drinks, Kurnool bus crash, and polls halt govt job prep
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Oct 27, 2025 Anonna Dutt, a health reporter for The Indian Express, reveals the shocking issues surrounding fake ORS beverages that mislead and harm consumers. She discusses a campaign that successfully pushed for regulatory action against deceptive brands. Nikhila Henry, also from The Indian Express, shares harrowing details about the Kurnool bus tragedy that left 20 dead, including how forensic evidence pointed to a reckless motorcycle rider. The conversation wraps up with the impact of Gandhi Maidan's closure on job aspirants amid election preparations.
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How Real ORS Works
- ORS is a simple, specific salt-sugar-bicarbonate solution that rehydrates and prevents death from severe diarrhea.
- Incorrect formulations can worsen diarrhea by drawing water into the gut and increasing dehydration.
Why Packaged 'ORS' Fails
- Tetra Pak drinks marketed as ORS often deviate from WHO formulation and are sweeter and flavored.
- These products can worsen dehydration and were able to use ORS branding because food, not drug, rules applied.
A Doctor's Campaign
- Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh documented children worsened by tetrapak ORS and gathered patient stories and evidence.
- She used social media and letters to regulators, which helped drive eventual action years later.