Nikhil Kamath lands in controversy: Zerodha co-founder accused by Liver Doc of promoting alcohol myths

Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known as "The Liver Doc," recently voiced strong objections on X regarding a widely-discussed podcast featuring Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath discussing India's liquor industry alongside Abhishek Khaitan, Minakshi Singh, Shuchir Suri, and Suraj Shenai. Philips accused Kamath of glorifying the alcohol business by likening it to beneficial healthcare practices.

He emphasized his daily experience treating patients afflicted with alcohol use disorders and acute liver diseases. “So far so good. Alcohol is good business, a business that leech out others life. It rakes in money for governments through taxation & monopoly; and fattens the bank accounts of those behind the industry (like this round table group) and makes barons out of those who sell well,” noted Liver Doc.

Misinformation About Moderate Drinking

He vehemently criticized the notion propagated by Kamath and others that moderate alcohol consumption could be deemed beneficial. “But when these businessmen, start glorifying their business of alcohol by equating it to ‘good healthcare intervention,’ it goes definitely into the realm of health misinformation, which is why, I have to keep discussing this absolutely garbage myth that ‘alcohol in moderation is good for you’ and the absolute nonsense disclaimer to support that myth, which they call ‘drink responsibly... To claim drinking alcohol in moderation is good, is actually a crime,” he asserted.

Liver Doc illustrated the devastating impact of alcohol on patients and families, often depleting life savings before critical medical intervention becomes feasible.


He said, “Patients and families struggle to make ends meet for proper healthcare because alcohol use destroyed their life savings. And by the time they find the funds to get things going, the patient is already on the ventilator and in multiple organ failure."

Discussing the broader health implications, he cited instances of alcohol-induced accidents, including fatal drunk-driving incidents. Liver Doc condemned the podcast's thematic focus, urging contributors to channel efforts towards constructive societal contributions.

The Liver Doc's Previous Criticism

Earlier, Liver Doc also criticized actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu for advocating unproven medical practices, highlighting his commitment to countering health and scientific illiteracy in public discourse.

As of now, Nikhil Kamath has not responded to Liver Doc's critique.