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In a tragic incident, more than twenty children in a state district lost their lives after consuming a widely used cough syrup later found to be adulterated. Dr Ananya, a senior health officer posted in the state’s Drug Control Department, has been tasked with investigating the matter and ensuring accountability.
As she delves into records, she uncovers alarming lapses in drug testing protocols, delayed inspections, and collusion between some local distributors and manufacturers. Parents and civil society groups are demanding immediate disclosure of investigation reports, punitive action against responsible parties, and systemic reforms to prevent recurrence.
Meanwhile, the state health department is under immense political pressure to manage public outrage and contain negative media coverage. Some senior officials subtly advise Dr Ananya to “handle the matter quietly” to avoid reputational damage to the government and influential stakeholders, warning that strict enforcement may jeopardise her career.
Junior officers involved in sample testing and reporting express fear of harassment, transfers, or legal consequences if they fully disclose the facts. At the same time, courts have taken suo motu cognisance, and multiple PILs have been filed seeking transparency in the investigation, compensation for affected families, and reforms in drug safety oversight.
Questions:
A. What ethical dilemmas confront Dr Ananya in this scenario?
B. Evaluate the options available to her and their potential consequences.
C. Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Dr Ananya based on balancing administrative responsibility and citizen welfare.
D. Propose long-term systemic reforms to strengthen drug safety oversight.
24 Oct, 2025 GS Paper 4 Case StudiesApproach
- Briefly describe the situation to establish context.
- Identify and discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Dr Ananya in this scenario.
- Evaluate the options available to her and the possible consequences of each option.
- Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Dr Ananya based on balancing administrative responsibility and citizen welfare.
- Propose long-term systemic reforms to strengthen drug safety oversight.
- Conclude with a suitable way forward.
Introduction
In this tragic case, over twenty children lost their lives after consuming an adulterated cough syrup. Dr. Ananya, a senior health officer in the State Drug Control Department, is tasked with investigating the incident. Her inquiry reveals serious lapses—negligent testing protocols, delayed inspections, and collusion between distributors and manufacturers. Amid rising public outrage, political pressure mounts to suppress the matter, while junior officers fear reprisals for speaking out. Courts have intervened suo motu, demanding transparency and reform in drug safety oversight.
Body
A.Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Dr. Ananya
- Integrity vs. Institutional Loyalty: Whether to uphold her duty to truth and public welfare or comply with higher authorities who want to conceal facts for political reasons.
- Transparency vs. Administrative Pressure: She must decide between full disclosure of findings and obeying orders to “handle the matter quietly.”
- Public Interest vs. Personal Risk: Taking strict action could protect citizens but may endanger her career, safety, and professional standing.
- Accountability vs. Collegial Solidarity: Investigating and exposing lapses might implicate her colleagues or superiors involved in negligence or corruption.
- Ethical Courage vs. Bureaucratic Conformity: She faces the moral test of demonstrating courage of conviction in a system that often rewards silence over truth.
B.Evaluation of Options and Their Consequences
- Option 1: Suppress or dilute findings under pressure.
- Pros: Immediate political appeasement, career safety, and institutional harmony.
- Cons: Violates integrity, erodes public trust, perpetuates systemic corruption, and denies justice to victims.
- Option 2: Partially disclose findings while shielding powerful interests.
- Pros: Appears balanced and avoids total confrontation.
- Cons: Compromises ethical responsibility, misleads the public, and invites judicial or media scrutiny later.
- Option 3: Uphold full transparency and accountability.
- Pros: Upholds professional ethics, serves public interest, and aligns with constitutional duty of fairness and justice.
- Cons: Risks political backlash, administrative isolation, and potential transfer or disciplinary action.
C.Most Appropriate Course of Action
- Dr. Ananya should adopt Option 3 — pursue transparent, evidence-based investigation in line with Rule of Law and ethical governance.
- She should document all findings meticulously, ensuring a legally defensible report.
- Engage with judicial and oversight bodies (e.g., Lokayukta, Human Rights Commission) to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Maintain professional communication with superiors, emphasizing her statutory responsibility under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
- Provide institutional support to junior officers, ensuring whistleblower protection and psychological safety.
- Balance firmness with procedural propriety to uphold both administrative responsibility and citizen welfare.
D.Long-Term Systemic Reforms for Drug Safety Oversight
- Strengthening Regulatory Infrastructure: Upgrade state drug laboratories, ensure periodic audits, and adopt WHO-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards.
- Digital Transparency: Introduce real-time drug testing and tracking systems to monitor supply chains and prevent adulteration.
- Independent Drug Authority: Create an autonomous National Drug Safety and Quality Authority for coordinated enforcement across states.
- Whistleblower Protection and Ethics Training: Institutionalise ethical capacity-building and protection mechanisms for officials reporting malpractice.
- Public Accountability: Mandate annual transparency reports on drug testing, recalls, and enforcement actions.
- Judicial and Legislative Oversight: Strengthen penal provisions for negligent manufacturers and corrupt officials under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Conclusion
Dr. Ananya’s ethical obligation extends beyond bureaucratic compliance — it lies in protecting citizens’ right to life and health. Upholding transparency, courage, and justice will not only ensure accountability in this case but also reinforce faith in public institutions. Strengthening drug regulation, ethical governance, and institutional integrity remains essential to prevent such tragedies and safeguard public health.
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