In recent events, South Indian film star Samantha Ruth Prabhu found herself embroiled in controversy after endorsing hydrogen peroxide nebulisation as a remedy for viral infections. This recommendation drew sharp criticism from health expert Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, known as The Liver Doc, who condemned the actress on social media and suggested she deserved legal repercussions for promoting what he deemed a potentially dangerous therapy.
Dr Philips also voiced objections towards Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, who advocated moderate alcohol consumption as beneficial during a popular podcast discussion. The Liver Doc labeled such endorsements as detrimental, equating support for alcohol consumption to a criminal act due to the perceived harms associated with the industry.
While Dr Philips later apologized to Samantha Ruth Prabhu, he maintained his stance on the risks of endorsing controlled drinking practices. He underscored alcohol’s financial benefits while criticizing its societal costs, emphasizing his concerns over public health impacts.
The incident underscores a recurring issue where celebrities with extensive followings impart health advice without sufficient expertise. Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a senior dermatologist and consultant at Max Hospital Saket, emphasized the responsibility of public figures to validate their endorsements with medical professionals before dissemination.
“Stardom entails significant social responsibility,” Dr Bhardwaj asserted. “Celebrities, despite their good intentions, must exercise caution in advocating health treatments. Their influence surpasses that of the average person, necessitating thorough fact-checking and consultation with experts.”
Historical instances highlight the repercussions of ill-informed endorsements by celebrities. From cricketing legend Kapil Dev’s controversial remarks on mental health to celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry promoting health practices without medical basis, there is a persistent need for scrutiny and skepticism among audiences.
Dr Bhardwaj cautioned against blindly adopting celebrity-endorsed health trends, citing instances where well-meaning recommendations could prove detrimental. She stressed the importance of public vigilance in discerning credible health information amidst the pervasive influence of social media.
As debates continue over the responsibilities of celebrities in health advocacy, the episode involving Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Dr Cyriac Abby Philips serves as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in balancing fame with public health education.