Liverdoc Exposes Dangerous Pseudoscience Promoted by Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu
In a bold and necessary move, Dr. Abby Philips, popularly known as Liverdoc, has publicly criticized Tollywood actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu for sharing a hazardous health tip with her massive social media following. The actress recommended inhaling hydrogen peroxide for flu relief, a practice that is not only unscientific but also potentially dangerous.
The Controversial Advice
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry, recently took to Instagram to advise her followers to inhale hydrogen peroxide to alleviate flu symptoms, claiming that some doctors support this practice. This recommendation quickly garnered attention and backlash from the medical community, given the serious health risks associated with inhaling hydrogen peroxide.
Liverdoc’s Response
Dr. Abby Philips, an esteemed hepatologist and vocal advocate against health misinformation, responded swiftly and decisively. In a series of tweets, he labeled Samantha as a “health and science illiterate” and condemned her for promoting pseudoscientific and baseless health advice. He cited warnings from reputable organizations like the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which clearly state the dangers of inhaling hydrogen peroxide.
Dr. Philips’ Tweet:
*”Ms. Samantha Ruth Prabhu has responded to my “provocative” criticism of her endorsement of unscientific, pseudoscientific and baseless alternative medicine therapies by playing the victim card and endorsing more alternative practices.
Please note, she is a serial offender in the context of healthcare misinformation and she has been in the line of fire previously too. The reason why doctors like me have to spend (waste) time from our busy schedules to fight misinformation online is because it is peddled by large influential “celebrity” accounts that have no regard for public health. Engagement and monetization is their concern. Public health and disease prevention is mine. I (we) will be provocative, strongly criticise, be blatant, and brutal with facts because we have no time to waste, catering to emotions.
I expected better from someone who claims that she wants to “improve.” This is far from improvement. A rational and logical response would be to delete the public health endangering posts and apologize to her millions of followers and vouch to never quote or cite fraudulent practices or practitioners.
I have absolutely ZERO hope for improving scientific temperament or rationalism in this country. Everyone role plays the victim of “scientific criticism” but will keep embracing and holding on to dogmatic views in healthcare, traditional untested observations or debunked dangerous therapies without shame or self reflection.
If celebrity influencers really want to impact people positively, then start unlearning and re-learn, develop critical thinking skills, disregard logical fallacies and stand up for medical science instead of “playing victim” of the same science that is helping you, and all of us, survive into the future.
I won’t be commenting or debunking any of Samantha’s future endorsements of pseudoscientific alternative public health endangering posts because,
“You can’t help people that don’t want to be helped.”
— John Armstrong
Left: Influential Indian actress Ms. Samantha Ruth who is unfortunately a health and science illiterate advising millions of her followers to inhale hydrogen-peroxide to prevent and treat respiratory viral infections.
Right: Scientific society, The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, warning people to not nebulize and breathe in hydrogen peroxide because it is dangerous for health.
In a rational and scientifically progressive society, this woman will be charged with endangering public health and fined or put behind bars. She needs help or a better advisor in her team.
Will India’s Health Ministry or any health regulatory body do something about these social media health influenzas damaging public health or will they remain spineless and let people die?”*
Appreciating Liverdoc’s Stand
Dr. Philips’ staunch defense of scientific integrity and public health is commendable. His unwavering commitment to debunking health misinformation, especially when propagated by influential figures, is crucial in today’s digital age. Social media has become a powerful platform where celebrities can easily influence public opinion and behavior, making it imperative for health professionals to counteract dangerous misinformation.
Protecting Public Health:
Dr. Philips highlighted the critical role of scientific accuracy in protecting public health. By calling out Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s irresponsible advice, he underscored the potential consequences of such misinformation, which can lead to severe health risks for unsuspecting followers.
Encouraging Accountability:
Dr. Philips also called for accountability from India’s Health Ministry and other regulatory bodies, urging them to take action against social media influencers who spread harmful health advice. This call to action is essential to ensure that public health is not compromised by unverified and dangerous recommendations.
Dr. Abby Philips, through his candid and fact-based criticism, has once again demonstrated the importance of maintaining scientific rigor and integrity in health communications. His efforts to expose and combat pseudoscience are invaluable in safeguarding public health and educating the public about the dangers of unscientific practices. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the vigilance and dedication of health professionals like Liverdoc are crucial in the ongoing battle against misinformation.
