Samantha Ruth Prabhu has issued a clarification following backlash from the medical community for promoting hydrogen peroxide nebulization to treat viral infections. The controversy began after she posted a picture of herself undergoing the treatment, which caught the attention of Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known as “The Liver Doc.”
Dr. Philips criticized the actress, calling her “health and science illiterate” and warned that the technique has adverse health effects. In response, Samantha defended her actions and provided context for her recommendation.
Samantha’s Clarification
“Over the last couple of years, I’ve had to take many different types of medicines,” Samantha explained. “I’ve tried everything I was strongly advised to take, guided by highly qualified professionals and after doing as much self-research as possible for a layperson like me.”
Samantha acknowledged the high cost of many treatments, noting her awareness of those who cannot afford such expenses. “For the longest time, conventional treatments weren’t making me better. These two factors led me to explore alternative therapies and treatments, which, after trial and error, worked wonderfully for me at a fraction of the cost.”
On Liver Doc’s Criticism
Addressing Dr. Philips’ comments, Samantha stated, “I am not naive enough to go about strongly advocating a treatment. I merely suggested it with good intentions based on my personal experience. The treatment was recommended by a highly qualified MD who served DRDO for 25 years.”
Samantha expressed disappointment in Dr. Philips’ harsh words, particularly his suggestion that she should be imprisoned. “It would have been kind and compassionate of him had he not been so provocative. I posted as someone in need of medical treatments, not as a celebrity, and I certainly am not making any money from the post nor endorsing anyone.”
On Her Medical Ideas
Samantha suggested that Dr. Philips should have debated her doctor rather than targeting her. “We cannot just give up when medicines aren’t working. I certainly wasn’t ready to give up. It would have been nice had he invited my doctor, whom I tagged in my post, for a discussion. I would have loved to learn from that debate.”
She concluded by expressing her intention to be more careful in sharing information about treatments. “My intentions are only to help others, not to harm anyone. I’ve had many well-meaning people suggest various alternative treatments. I was merely sharing something that worked for me as an option.”
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Rituja Ugalmugle, an internal medicine specialist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai, advised against hydrogen peroxide nebulization due to potential risks, including oxidative stress and respiratory issues. She emphasized that normal saline remains the safest option for nebulization.
