TheLiverDoc: Internet fumes after X suspends account of medical-myth busting doctor

Bengaluru: Support is pouring in for Dr Cyriac Abby Philips popularly known as TheLiverDoc after X suspended his account on court orders.

A defamation suit was filed by pharmaceutical and wellness company Himalaya Wellness, after which the Bengaluru Court directed X Corp to temporarily suspend his account.

The account was suspended on Thursday only in India.

Himalaya Wellness had approached the court after Dr. Philips, in a post on X in August last year, had allegedly made defamatory remarks on Liv.52, a product of the company that is used by liver disease patients. The company also claims that the statements of Dr. Philips intend to push the products of other companies like Cipla and Alchem.

Dr. Philips, an Indian hepatologist and clinician-scientist is known for his critical views of alternative medicine on social media. He who hails from Kerala is known for taking on certain practices in alternative medicines like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Siddha, and Unani (AYUSH) that he says have caused liver damage in patients.

For those who came in support of Philips, he has been a consistent, tireless, and relentless campaigner against the blind-faith unscientific evidence-free, and potentially harmful and dangerous practices.

False and Injustice says Himalaya:

Himalaya Wellness Corporation claims that Dr. Philips “has been posting derogatory statements against the products of the company due to which it has lost substantial business”. They stated that Philips' statements were false and unjustified.

On September 23, Additional City Civil and Session Judge DP Kumaraswamy ruled that based on the facts presented by the company and the law declared by various judgments, an interim order before issuing notice to Philips was necessary. The Court was hearing two interlocutory applications filed by Himalaya in a suit against Philips for allegedly defaming the company.

The court posted the matter for the next hearing on January 5, 2024.

Haven't received any notice: TheLiverDoc

In a video message on Instagram, Dr Philips said, "Unfortunately my X account has been suspended in India. Defaming Himalaya products are baseless allegations. I put up evidence backing with claims,"

Philps said he has identified few people to fight legally. He stated that he hadn't received any court documents or notice from the legal team of Himalaya. It was a unilateral decision without hearing my side.

Docs come in support of Philips

According to Neuro Scientist Umme.H.Faisal, "As doctors, not only do we treat but we also have a responsibility to teach and dispel misinformation. Dr Philips is amongst the loudest voices against misinformation and one of the bravest people on this platform. In solidarity with Dr Philips,".

As doctors, not only do we treat but we also have a responsibility to teach and dispel misinformation. Dr Philips @theliverdr is amongst the loudest voices against misinformation and one of the bravest people on this platform. In solidarity with Dr Philips. https://t.co/8g0Up18TbL

— Umme H. Faisal, MBBS (@stethospeaks) September 28, 2023

Another X account holder Dr Anuja wrote, "Irrespective of your ideology, Philps should be supported in this issue. What he stood for is science and EBM, and this will set a bad precedent. Tomorrow any company selling harmful drugs will start suing doctors for merely stating things that benefit the community at large."

In the past, Dr Philips was threatened with defamation by the AYUSH ministry over his views on the giloy herb and was served a notice from the Kerala State Medical Council for Indian Systems of Medicine in February 2022 – although he was cleared of all charges in October.