Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh questioned whether practicing medicine in India is a privilege or an extraordinary challenge during a recent health summit.
Her remarks highlight a growing tension within the Indian healthcare system, where medical professionals face increasing pressure from consumer laws and financial burdens. Addressing these systemic issues is critical for maintaining the quality of patient care and the mental well-being of providers.
Santosh, a pediatrician and social activist known as the “ORS Lady of India,” said at the South Edition of the Times Network India Health Summit in 2026 [1]. During the event, she addressed the hidden costs associated with becoming and remaining a doctor in the country [2].
She emphasized that the current environment for healthcare providers is marked by a lack of empathy and trust. Santosh said that transparency is necessary to bridge the gap between doctors and the public. She noted that the profession is no longer just about clinical skill but involves navigating complex legal and social pressures, specifically those stemming from consumer-law frameworks [2].
As a first-aid trainer and public health advocate, Santosh used the platform to call for a shift in how the medical community interacts with patients. She suggested that the perceived privilege of the medical profession is often overshadowed by the actual challenges of the practice [1].
By focusing on the need for empathy, Santosh argued that the healthcare system must evolve to protect both the practitioner and the patient. She said that the current state of the profession requires a honest evaluation of what it truly costs to be a doctor in India today [2].
“Is being a doctor in India a privilege or an extraordinary challenge?”
The discussion led by Dr. Santosh reflects a broader crisis of confidence in the Indian medical sector. As legal scrutiny via consumer protection laws increases, doctors are more likely to practice defensive medicine, which can erode the doctor-patient relationship. Her call for transparency suggests that the financial and psychological costs of medical education and practice are becoming unsustainable for many providers.
