Total Questions : 1
-
Case Study
Dr. Neha Kapoor, a medical professional turned District Magistrate, is posted in a semi-urban district that has recently witnessed a sudden outbreak of a highly infectious respiratory disease. Within days, government hospitals are overwhelmed with patients, ICU beds are scarce, and there is an acute shortage of oxygen cylinders and life-saving medicines.
The district administration receives an emergency consignment of oxygen and critical drugs from the State government. However, the supply is far below the actual demand. Doctors on the ground inform Dr. Kapoor that they are being forced to make difficult choices about which patients should receive treatment, often prioritising those with higher chances of survival.
Meanwhile, influential individuals, including local politicians and wealthy citizens, begin pressuring the administration to reserve beds and oxygen supplies for their families and associates. Some private hospitals are also accused of hoarding essential medicines and overcharging patients.
On the other hand, frontline healthcare workers are exhausted and demoralised. They demand clear guidelines for triage and protection from legal or political backlash arising from life-and-death decisions.
Media coverage intensifies, highlighting both the suffering of patients and alleged administrative lapses. Public anger is rising, and there is a growing perception that access to healthcare is becoming inequitable.
Dr. Kapoor must take urgent decisions regarding allocation of scarce medical resources, regulation of private healthcare providers, and protection of frontline workers—while ensuring fairness, transparency, and public trust.
Questions
1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
2. What options are available to Dr. Kapoor? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.
3. What should be the most ethical course of action for Dr. Kapoor? Justify your answer in the context of public health ethics and administrative responsibility.
GS Paper 4 Case Studies
