Mains Practice Questions

Case Study

Dr. Ananya Rao is a senior drug regulator in a state where several pharmaceutical manufacturing units produce low-cost medicines, including paediatric cough syrups, for both domestic use and export. These medicines are widely used by economically weaker sections due to their affordability.

Recently, reports emerged that a batch of cough syrups manufactured by a local company was linked to the deaths of several children after consumption. Preliminary investigations indicated the presence of toxic contaminants due to the use of substandard raw materials and poor quality control. International media coverage has raised serious concerns about India’s pharmaceutical regulatory standards, affecting the country’s reputation as the “pharmacy of the world.”

The manufacturing company claims that it complied with existing regulations and argues that stricter enforcement and frequent inspections would increase production costs, making medicines unaffordable for the poor and harming export competitiveness. Some political and industry stakeholders have informally urged Dr. Rao to avoid drastic action such as suspension of licenses, citing potential job losses, investor backlash, and diplomatic sensitivities.

At the same time, families of the affected children are demanding accountability, criminal prosecution, and compensation. Public trust in the healthcare system and drug safety mechanisms is visibly eroding.

Questions

1.Discuss the ethical dilemma between affordability of medicines, industrial growth, and the principle of ‘non malfiance’ in Bio ethics ethics.

2.What options are available to Dr. Ananya Rao in responding to this crisis? Evaluate the ethical merits and limitations of each option.

3.What course of action should Dr. Rao adopt to uphold medical ethics, accountability, and public interest while ensuring long-term credibility of the health system? Justify your answer.