Doctor Who Fought 8 Years for Children’s Lives Now Hit with Legal Notice
Hyderabad paediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, who advocated for clearer ORS labelling, receives legal notice from companies linked to Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson.
The doctor Dr. Palak Malviyadescribed the ordeal on social media, detailing how the situation escalated while she was attending to an emergency consultation.
Patient Examination and Initial Aggression
According to Dr. Malviya, she was called to examine a 39-year-old woman who had visited the emergency room due to missed menstrual periods and concerns about a possible pregnancy.
During the consultation Dr. Malviya recommended a pregnancy test as part of the routine medical evaluation. However, the patient’s husband who was reportedly heavily intoxicated and smelled strongly of alcohol became immediately aggressive and refused the test.
He allegedly began verbally abusing the doctor, using obscene language and insulting remarks. Witnesses reported that he shouted abusive phrases and used offensive slurs while confronting the medical staff.
Escalation of Threats and Misconduct
The situation quickly escalated when the man reportedly approached Dr. Malviya in an intimidating manner and continued shouting at hospital personnel, including staff members at the reception desk.
According to her account, the man also took photographs of the doctor without her consent and made threatening remarks, including statements such as “I will screw you.” He further demanded access to CCTV footage and requested documents related to the Medical Council of India(MCI).
Dr. Malviya also stated that the individual attempted to intimidate staff by invoking the name of a politician and making additional threats.
Police Presence and Continued Harassment
Hospital authorities contacted emergency services through India’s 112 helpline, and police personnel soon arrived at the hospital. However, Dr. Malviya claims that the harassment continued even in the presence of law enforcement.The man allegedly continued using abusive language, threatened her with statements such as “kal dekh lenge” and made derogatory remarks about her background, including referring to her as “Bangladeshi”
Filing of Complaint and Alleged Lack of Immediate Action
After the confrontation Dr. Malviya and hospital management escorted the patient and her husband outside the hospital premises where police officers were present.
She later filed a formal complaint at the local police station in Sector 56, Gurugram. The complaint, registered detailed the harassment, threats, and intimidation she faced while performing her duties as a doctor on a night shift.
Despite filing the complaint, Dr. Malviya stated that no immediate action had been taken against the alleged aggressor, raising concerns about the safety and protection of healthcare professionals.
She emphasized in the complain that the accused behaved aggressively towards hospital staff .The doctor also expressed concerns about her personal safety, stating that the incident had caused significant emotional distress and trauma.
Appeal for Justice
After the incident, Dr. Malviya shared her experience online and appealed for support and intervention from authorities. In her posts, she tagged several organizations and government bodies, including the Indian Medical Associationand the National Commission for Women, along with local police authorities and government officials.
Her appeal called for swift action against the accused and stronger measures to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals, especially women working night shifts.
Social Media Reaction
The incident quickly gained attention on social media, where many users expressed support for Dr. Malviya and condemned the alleged lack of immediate police action.
Medical professionals and members of the public highlighted the need for stronger legal protection for healthcare workers, particularly in emergency medical environments where tensions can often run high.
A Persistent Issue in Healthcare
Violence and harassment against doctors continue to be a serious concern in India’s healthcare system. Medical professionals frequently face verbal abuse, threats and in some cases physical violence from patients or their relatives.
According to reports from the Indian Medical Association, thousands of such incidents occur across the country each year. Women doctors, especially those working late-night shifts, are considered particularly vulnerable.
The Need for Stronger Legal Protection
Incidents like this have renewed calls for the implementation of stronger national legislation, such as the proposed Healthcare Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill.Advocates argue that stricter laws, improved hospital security, and faster police response are necessary to protect frontline healthcare workers.
Current Status
As of March 16, 2026, there has been no public update regarding arrests or further investigation in the case. Dr. Malviya’s post continues to circulate online, attracting widespread attention and support from the medical community.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger protections and accountability mechanisms to safeguard healthcare workers who dedicate themselves to saving lives.
