Dr Sivaranjini flags concerns over doctors promoting child products
HYDERABAD: A paediatrician has raised concerns over doctors and social media influencers promoting or selling products for children and parents.
In a social media post, Dr Sivaranjini listed several practices that she said were worrying. These included paediatricians selling milk mixes, gummies, skincare products and herbal supplements.
She also alleged that some paediatricians directly or indirectly promote products such as Bournvita and products made by Nestle and Danone. She questioned whether doctors should promote such products to parents.
It’s one of those days you realize how people have become so selfish as to exploit vulnerable mothers and destroy children’s health just to earn money, and you can’t do anything about it!
1. Paediatricians selling milk mixes and gummies
2. Paediatricians selling low quality skin… pic.twitter.com/UXf2PqxCNM— Dr.Sivaranjini (@dr_sivaranjani) October 4, 2026
Doctor questions protein shakes and branded diets
Dr Sivaranjini referred to a case involving a two-year-old child. She said a doctor had given the child a protein shake and shared it on social media. The doctor also asked parents to contact him for advice on what to give their children, she alleged.
She also questioned the promotion of herbal supplements by paediatricians. According to her post, some doctors advise parents to use such products instead of using modern medicines when needed.
The post also raised concerns about doctors promoting milk mixes and cereals while having a commercial interest in the products. It also questioned the use of the term “sugar free” for products that contain jaggery.
Influencers face criticism over health advice
Dr Sivaranjini also criticised “mom and dad influencers” for promoting milk mixes, gummies and formula milk. She alleged that some also give advice about medicines and sell medicines.
The doctor said she was unhappy despite efforts that she claimed had helped prevent millions of children from consuming sugary liquids sold as oral rehydration solution (ORS).
She also said she had intervened in cases involving paediatricians and a gynaecologist who were allegedly selling milk mixes and gummies.
The comments came amid concerns over the commercial promotion of children’s products and health advice aimed at parents. The allegations made in the post could not be independently verified from the material available.
