The Two Faces of 'The Liver Doc': A Digital Crusader Meets the Law

Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, known online as 'The Liver Doc', is a hepatologist at Rajagiri Hospital in Kochi, Kerala, India.

On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he has over 300,000 followers and is known for strong criticism of alternative medicine, including homeopathy, which he has called 'false medicine'. His online style has been described as rude and confrontational, leading to numerous legal challenges: 16 cases over six years, some ongoing.

A Target for the Ayush Ministry

India's Ayush Ministry, which oversees traditional medicine, has held formal meetings to discuss him. A police inspector traveled from Uttar Pradesh to question him over a social media post.

The Offline Reality

A reporter who spent two days at his clinic observed him as 'measured and soft-spoken', an assessment echoed by patients and colleagues. Philips acknowledges his online persona is 'adopted' and says he is willing to be perceived as rude to ensure his message is heard.

"I am willing to be perceived as rude to ensure my message is heard."