OPEN SESSION

UPSC GS Mains

3 Year PYQ (2021-2023)

Analysis & Discussion-Ethics Case Studies
By
➔ Shri. Krishan Mohan, IAS (Retd.)

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 UPSC 2023 : Ethics and Human Interface

Case Study
You are working as an executive in a nationalised bank for several years. One day one of your close colleagues
tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease and needs surgery immediately to survive. She also tells
you that she has no insurance and the operation will cost about Rs. 10 lakh. You are also aware of the fact that
her husband is no more and that she is from a lower middle class family. You are empathetic about her
situation. However, apart from expressing your sympathy, you do not have the resources to found her.
A few weeks later, you ask her about the well-being of her father and she informs you about his successful
surgery and that he is recovering. She then confides in you that the bank manager was kind enough to facilitate
the release of Rs. 10 lakh from a dormant account of someone to pay for the operation with a promise that it
should be confidential and be repaid at the earliest. She has already started paying it back and with continue to
do so until it is all returned.
(a) What are the ethical issues involved?
(b) Evaluate the behaviour of the bank manager from an ethical point of view.
(c) How would you react to the situation? (Answer in 250 words) 20

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 Approach
• Give a brief introduction highlighting the dilemmas represented in the case study.
• Highlight the ethical issues involved.
• Give arguments in favour and against the behavior of the bank manager from an ethical viewpoint.
• Explain what you would do in the situation.
• Give a brief conclusion.

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 Answer
Introduction

Case study highlights various conflicts that arise during professional work such as empathy versus objectivity,
professional integrity versus personal morality, pro-rules versus pro-life and accountability versus discretion.

(a) Ethical Issues Involved

● Breach of Trust: Unauthorized withdrawal from an account.

● Misuse of Position: Bank Manager's power used inappropriately.
● Life vs. Rules: A critical dilemma of following rules or saving a life.
● Violation of Rights: Invasion of the account holder's privacy and rights.

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 Answer
(b) Evaluating the Bank Manager's Behaviour
● Means-End Paradigm: Noble goal but unethical means.
● Intention-Consequence Gap: Right intention but improper action.
● Fairness-Compassion Discrepancy: Empathetic but unfair and inequitable.

(c) Personal Reaction to the Situation

● Policy Advocacy: Suggest converting the amount to a loan and advocating for transparency.
● Policy Development: Recommend creating a policy for using dormant funds with clear guidelines.

Conclusion: A balance between compassion and adherence to banking policies is suggested, with a focus on
transparency and the establishment of structured protocols for similar situations in the future.

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 UPSC 2022 : Ethics & Human Interface
Case Study
You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle – class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is
looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime,
during annual examination the flying squad came from the university caught two students red-handed involving in unfair
means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these student in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be
close to the management. One of the students was son of a local politician who was responsible in getting college affiliated to
the present reputed university. The second student was son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for
running of the college. You immediately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told
you to resolve the issue with flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incident will not only tarnish the image of the
college but also the politician and businessman are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were
also given hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with flying squad. In
the meantime, you were intimidated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting
outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action
against defaulters.

(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

(b)Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you
adopt and why?

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 Approach
• Case Overview.
• Explain the ethical issues involved in the aforementioned case.
• Enlist and analyse the options available to you.
• Decide your course of action along with rationale for the same.

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 Answer
Introduce with Case Study Overview: Act of academic dishonesty, pressure to collude
with the authorities and resistance from student groups.

(a) Ethical issues:

• Clash of self-interest with integrity

• Bad image of the institute
• Survival of the institute

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 (b) Options and Justifications
Answer
● Collusion with Culprits
○ Merit: Ensures support from influential figures and secures promotion.
○ Demerit: Compromises integrity and academic principles; personal benefit vs. student interests.
● Reaching a Middle Ground
○ Merit: Balances interests, secures support, and guarantees promotion.
○ Demerit: Does not fully resolve ethical concerns; personal benefit vs. student interests.
● Standing Up for What is Right
○ Merit: Prioritizes meritocracy and institutional integrity, ensuring long-term credibility.
○ Demerit: Potential backlash from influential figures and risk to personal job security.

Preferred Option : Standing Up for What is Right

Reason : Adopting a principled stance and addressing the issue transparently will uphold academic integrity,
safeguard meritocracy, and ultimately enhance the institution's credibility.

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 UPSC 2022 : Environmental Ethics
Case Study
You are appointed as an officer heading the section in Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its
follow-up. In that region, there were large number of small and medium industries which had been granted clearance. You
learnt that these industries provide employment to many migrant worker. Most of the industrial units have got environmental
clearance certificate in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly
hamper environment and living species in the region, But in practice. most of these units remain to be polluting units in
several ways like air, water and soil pollution. As such, local people encountered persistent health problems.

It was confirmed that majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the
industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent authority. However, your action met
with hostile response from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local politicians.
The workers also became hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the
resultant unemployment will lead to insecurity uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the industries approached you
with the plea that you should not initiate harsh action as it would compel them their units, and cause huge financial loss,
shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the labourers and the consumers alike.
The labour union also sent you representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving
threats from unknown corners. You however received supports from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to
ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and they demanded the closure of the polluting
units immediately.
(a) What are the options available to you under the given situation?
(b) Critically examine the options listed by you.
(c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance?
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in exercising your option? (Answer in 250 words) 20

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 Approach
• Introduce by highlighting facts of the case with stakeholders concerned.
• Highlight the options available and critically examine them.
• Suggest types of mechanism to ensure environmental mechanism.
• Highlight ethical dilemmas faced in exercising the option.
• Conclude accordingly.

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 Answer
Introduction: Development
(a & b) Options Available vs. Environmental Commitment in Developing Regions

Option 1: Strict Enforcement

● Pros: Upholds professional integrity, ensures a clean environment, supports sustainable development.
● Cons: Potential economic decline, job losses, increased political pressure and threats.

Option 2: Maintain Status Quo

● Pros: Supports economic stability, placates labour union, avoids immediate job losses.
● Cons: Ignores the spirit of the law, dereliction of duty, compromises public health and long-term environmental quality.

Option 3: Expert Committee & Grading

● Pros: Balanced approach, inclusive stakeholder engagement, phased compliance

● Cons: Political backlash, slow response to urgent pollution issues.

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 Answer
c) Mechanism to Ensure Environmental Compliance

○ Graded Approach: Target severe violators, assist displaced workers.

○ Environmental Monitoring Cell: Conduct random compliance checks.
○ Incentives: Encourage adoption of green technologies through CSR initiatives.
○ Public Disclosure: Increase accountability with transparency in compliance data.
○ Collaboration: Engage NGOs and community leaders in oversight processes.

d) Ethical Dilemmas

○ Livelihood vs. Environment: Balancing economic needs with environmental health mandates.
○ Public Duty vs. Personal Safety: Upholding responsibilities amid personal risk.
○ Rights of Unprivileged vs. Professional Duty: Ensuring job security for vulnerable groups while enforcing
environmental laws.
○ Compliance vs. Profit: Navigating industrial pressures to prioritize long-term sustainability over immediate profits.

Conclusion: It is imperative for a rational and objective approach in balancing economic growth with environmental
commitments, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

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 UPSC 2023 : Media Ethics
. Case StC
uadsye Study
You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government. One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your
11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal’s
office. The Principal informs you that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in
progress. The class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not respond to questions in the class,
he had also been unable to perform well in the football trials held recently. You bring your son back from the school and the evening,
you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son’s changed behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that
some children had been making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by calling him stunted, duh
and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest.
After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch your son play, one of your colleague’s son
shows you a video in which students have caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting in the
stands. You purposefully walk past them with your son and go home. Next day, you find on social media, a video denigrating you,
your son and even your wife, stating that you engaged in physical bullying of children on the sports field. The video became viral on
social media. Your friends and colleagues began calling you to find out the details. One of your juniors advised you to make a counter
video giving the background and explaining that nothing had happened on the field. You, in turn posted a video which you have
captured during the sporting event, identifying the likely perpetrators who were responsible for your son’s predicament. You have also
narrated what has actually happened in the field and made attempts to bring out the adverse effects of the misuse of social media.

(a) Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media.
(b) Discuss the pros and cons of using social media by you to put across the facts to counter the fake propaganda against your
family. (Answer in 250 words) 20

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 Approach
• Introduce briefly.
• Mention the ethical issues involved in the use of social media, in the given context.
• Discuss the pros and cons of using social media and posting the counter video.
• Conclude appropriately.

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 Answer
(a) Ethical Issues in Social Media Use:
● Cyberbullying: Harassment of family members, including a young child, via derogatory
online content.
● Fake News: Rapid spread of misinformation affecting public perception.
● Privacy Violation: Non-consensual recording and sharing of personal moments.
● Online Harassment: Intimidation and emotional distress caused by widespread
negative attention.
● Discrimination: Biased treatment based on personal characteristics, leading to
exclusion and hate speech.

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 Answer
(b) Response to Online Harassment: Counter Video

Pros:
● Direct Communication: Allows for an immediate and wide-reaching response.
● Correcting Misinformation: Provides an opportunity to clarify facts.
● Reputation Management: Helps safeguard the family's public image and personal dignity.
● Transparency: Demonstrates openness, which can be valued by online communities.
● Control over Narrative: Enables the family to share their perspective authentically.
● Community Support: Can garner backing from allies who oppose bullying and misinformation.

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 Answer
(b) Response to Online Harassment: Counter Video

Cons:
● Emotional Toll: May cause additional stress and provoke further negative feedback.
● Escalation of Conflict: Can be perceived as perpetuating a cycle of allegations.
● Unwanted Attention: Risks drawing more focus to the negative situation.
● Risk of Misunderstanding: Social media communication can be misinterpreted.
● Social Impact on Child: Might inadvertently lead to social isolation for the son.

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 Conclusion
Despite potential drawbacks, taking action by posting a counter video was deemed necessary to defend the
family's integrity, counteract harmful narratives, and address cyberbullying head-on.

This approach supports the principle of standing against online victimization and upholds the family's right to
correct falsehoods spread in the digital realm.

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 UPSC 2022 : Aptitude

Rakesh was working as Joint Commissioner in Transport Department of a city. As a part of his job profile, among others, he was
entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of City Transport Department. A case of strike try the drivers' union of
City Transport Department over the issue of compensation to a drive who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for
decision in the matter. He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying Bus No. 528 which passed through busy and congested roads of
the city. It so happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving the bus and a car driven by a middle-aged
man. It was found the there was altercation between the driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to fight and the
driver gave him a blow. Lot of passersby had gathered and tried to intervene but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly
injured and profusely bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved. The
middle-aged driver's condition was also critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had immediately come at the
spot of accident and FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel in question was started by the bus driver and he
had resorted to physical violence. There was exchange of blows between them. The City Transport Department management is
considering of not giving any extra compensation to the driver's (deceased) family. The family is very aggrieved, depressed and agitated
against the discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department management. The bus driver (decease) was
52 years of age, was survived by his wife and two school-college going daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. The City
Transport Department workers' union took up this case and when found no favourable response from the management, decided to go on
strike. The union's demand was two-fold. First was full extra compensation as given to other drivers who died on duty and secondly
employment to one family member. The strike has continued for 10 days and the deadlock remains.
(a) What are the options available to Rakesh to meet the above situation ?
(b) Critically examine each of the options identified by Rakesh.
(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rakesh?
(d) What course of action would Rakesh adopt to diffuse the above situation

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 Approach
• Introduce by writing a brief note on the facts of the case.
• Mention the available options.
• Critically examine each of the identified options.
• Mention the ethical dilemmas being face by Rakesh.
• Write the course of action to solve the given case.

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 Answer
Introduction:

The given case pertains to the issue of ensuring the delivery of justice to the deceased driver’s
family along with maintaining uninterrupted public transport services, which have been
halted for 10 days.

This case requires the application of various skills and values like persuasion, emotional intelligence, strict
adherence to organisational rules, compassion, etc. which need to be exhibited to tackle the situation at hand.

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 Answer
(a & b) Options and analysis
● Option 1: Not Interfering with CTDM
○ Merit: Maintains department independence.
○ Demerit: May demoralize staff and prolong strike.
● Option 2: Holding Talks with Union
○ Merit: Builds trust and can lead to a reasonable solution.
○ Demerit: May encourage bypassing immediate officials in future.
● Option 3: Fulfilling Union Demands
○ Merit: Resolves strike and supports family.
○ Demerit: Sets a precedent for future demands and could strain finances.
● Option 4: Backing CTDM Decision
○ Merit: Reinforces department decisions and sends a strong signal.
○ Demerit: Prolongs strike and appears unsympathetic.

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 (c) Dilemmas
Answer
• Compassion vs. objectivity:
• Moral discretion vs. adhering to institutional preferences
• Public convenience vs. procedure to follow

d) Preferred Option: Holding talks with the workers' union.

○ Reason: Persuasion can secure employment for a family member and educational support for daughters,
balancing compassion and practicality.

Conclusion: Persuasion and negotiation offer a balanced solution, ensuring support for the family while maintaining
institutional integrity and public trust.

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 UPSC 2021 : Emotional Intelligence
Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He
joined in a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part
of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family
life. Initially, all seem to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at times unreasonable. Whatever
suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence
of others. It became a pattern of boss’s style of functioning to show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating publically. It became
apparent that though there are no serious work-related problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold
and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realized
that his relations with his senior officer are becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied
with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous,
happy and contented even t home. Rather without any reason he would loose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment
was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive to him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behaviour. Due to
harassment and humiliation suffering by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus it damaged his physical and
mental health.

a) What are the options available with Pawan to cope with the situation?
b)What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing peace, tranquillity and congenial environment in the office and home?
c)As an outsider, what are your Suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental
and emotional hygiene?

d) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for at various levels in the government offices? (Answer in 250 words)

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 Approach
• Briefly write down facts of the given case and identify issues involved.
• Write down options available with Pawan.
• Mention the approach which Pawan should take to remedy the situation.
• Give your suggestions to improve the situation.
• Suggest training for officers at various levels.
• Conclude accordingly

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 Answer
Introduction: Pawan, an officer in the State Government, faces harassment from a difficult senior,
affecting his mental health and family life.
a) Options for Pawan
● Personal Level: Practice stress-relieving activities, seek professional help, and communicate
with family for support.
● Office Level: Talk privately to the senior, discuss with colleagues, or seek leave/transfer.

b) Recommended Approach for Pawan

● At Home: Communicate openly with family, seek their support, and consult a counselor.
● At Office: Gather feedback from colleagues, respectfully confront the senior, or collectively
address the issue with higher authorities.

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 c) Suggestions for Boss and Subordinates
Answer
● For the Boss: Separate personal stress from professional life, seek counseling, practice
mindfulness, and maintain a positive work environment.
● For Subordinates: Complete work diligently, foster teamwork, and respectfully
communicate grievances.
d) Training for Government Officers
● For Bosses: Training on maintaining a congenial work environment, emotional
intelligence, and stress management.
● For Subordinates: Training on emotional intelligence, respectful grievance
communication, and team building.
Conclusion: Implementing effective communication, support systems, and targeted training
can improve work performance, mental health, and overall work environment in government
offices

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 UPSC 2022 : Emotional Intelligence
Case Study
You have done MBA from a reputed institution three years back but could not get campus placement due to COVID-19 generated
recession. However, after a lot of persuasion and series of competitive tests including written and interview, you managed to get a job
in a leading shoe company. You have ageur parents who are dependent and staying with you. You also recently got married after
getting this decent job. You were allotted the Inspection Section which is responsible for clearing the final product. In first one year,
you learnt your job well and was appreciated for your performance by the management. The company is doing good business for last
five years in domestic market and this year it is decided even to export to Europe and Gulf countries. However, one large
consignment to Europe was rejected by their Inspecting Team due to certain poor quality and was sent back. The top management
ordered that ibid consignment to be cleared for the domestic market. As a part of Inspecting Team, you observed the glaring poor
quality and brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander. However, the top management advised all the members of the team to
overlook these defects as the management cannot bear such a huge loss. Rest of the team members except you promptly signed and
cleared the consignment for domestic market, overlooking glaring defects. You again brought to the knowledge of the Team
Commander that such consignment, if cleared even for domestic market, will tarnish the image and reputation of the company and
will be counter-productive in the long run. However, you were further advised by the top management that if you do not clear the
consignment, the company will not hesitate to terminate your services citing certain innocuous reasons.

(a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a member of the Inspecting Team?
(b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.
(c) What option would you adopt and why?
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?
(e) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observations raised by the Inspecting Team?

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 Approach
• Start by providing a brief explanation of the case along with major stakeholders.
• List the options available to you as a member of the inspecting team.
• Elaborate the merits and demerits of the above options.
• Reason the option that you would choose.
• Ethical dilemmas involved due to this.
• Highlight all the consequences of overlooking the observations.

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 Introduction
Case Study Overview: Personal life vs professional life.

Stakeholders:
● Me as a member of inspecting team
● My Family
● Top Management
● Rest of the team
● Team Commander

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 Answer
(a & b) Options & Justifications
Option 1: Clear Consignment

● Merit: Job security and favor with management.

● Demerit: Potential future blame and company reputation damage.

Option 2: Refrain from Signing

● Merit: Maintains personal integrity and potential company correction.

● Demerit: Risk of job loss and impact on dependent family.

Option 3: Reject Consignment

● Merit: Upholds duty and may gain higher recognition.

● Demerit: Causes company loss and risk of termination.

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 Answer
(a & b) Options & Justifications
Option 4: Complain to Board

● Merit: Protects company reputation and shows loyalty.

● Demerit: Bypasses immediate management, risking job security.

Option 5: Repair & Rebrand

● Merit: Minimizes loss and protects reputation.

● Demerit: Additional costs and possible management rejection.

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 Answer
(c) Preferred Option

o Repair & rebrand consignment followed by complaint to the Board, balancing job
security and company integrity.

(d) Ethical dilemmas

• Balancing financial security vs. duty,

• insubordination vs. integrity, and
• obedience to seniors vs. organizational loyalty.

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 Answer
(e) Consequences of Overlooking

o Damaged company reputation and personal reputation,

o potential future job impacts, and
o long-term harm to company credibility.
Conclusion: Balancing ethical integrity and job security is crucial; opting for a solution
that safeguards both personal and company reputation ensures long-term success and
credibility.

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 UPSC 2023 : Medical Ethics
Case Study
A landslide occurred in the middle of the night at 20th July, 2023 in a remote mountain hamlet, approximately
60 kilometres from Uttarkashi. The landslide was caused by torrential rains and has resulted in large-scale
destruction of property and life. You, as District Magistrate of that area, have rushed to the sport with a team of
doctors, NGOs, media and police along with numerous support staff to oversee the rescue operations. A man
came running to you with a request for urgent medical help for his pregnant wife who is in labour and is losing
blood. You directed your medical team to example his wife. They return and convey to you that this woman
needs blood transfusion immediately. Upon enquiry, you come to know that a few blood collection bags and
blood group test kits are available in the ambulance accompanying your team. Few people of your team have
already volunteered to donate blood. Being a physician who has regulated from AIIMS, you know that blood
for transfusion needs to be procured only through a recognized blood bank. Your team members are divided on
this issue; some favour transfusion, while some others oppose it. The doctors in the team are ready to facilitate
the delivery provide they are not penalized for transfusion. Now you are in a dilemma. Your professional
training emphasizes on prioritising service to humanity and saving lives of individuals.
(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
(b) Evaluate the options available to you being District Magistrate of the area.

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 Approach
• Give a brief overview of the case and the stakeholders involved.
• State the ethical issues involved in the case.
• Enlist the options available to the District Magistrate of the area in the given situation.
• Evaluate each available option.
• Conclude accordingly.

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 Introduction
Case Study Overview: Complex Bureaucratic Challenges in a Landslide Disaster

Stakeholders:
● Pregnant Women
● District Magistrate
● Medical Team
● NGOs
● Media
● Police
● Support Staff
● Blood Donors
● Blood Banks
● Patients' Family Members

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 Answer
(a) Ethical Issues
● Dual Role Conflict: The physician-District Magistrate faces a clash between medical standards and the
need for quick disaster response.
● Rules vs. Discretionary Power: The exercise of discretionary power must remain objective and legally
compliant.
● Medical Ethics: Balancing the well-being of the pregnant woman and her child against the risks of an
unauthorized blood transfusion.
● Leadership Issues: Team disagreement over blood transfusion decision affects teamwork and
cooperation.
● Resource Utilization Dilemma: Allocation of limited medical supplies during a disaster poses ethical
challenges.

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 Answer
(b) Options for the District Magistrate
1. Consult Higher Medical Authorities
○ Merits: Ensures protocol adherence and legal compliance.
○ Demerits: Could delay urgent care; may appear as shirking responsibility.
2. Allow Unauthorised Blood Transfusion
○ Merits: Meets immediate medical needs; patient-centric.
○ Demerits: Potential legal/regulatory repercussions; breaches protocol.
3. Transfusion with Unauthorised Blood/Blood Alternatives After Informed Consent
○ Merits: Innovative crisis management; consent minimizes legal risks; blood alternatives reduce
health risks.
○ Demerits: Time-consuming; could delay critical care.

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 Conclusion
The last option aligns with ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence.

It's essential to promote open dialogue within the medical team and clear communication with the media and
public to effectively manage perceptions.

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 UPSC 2021 : Medical Ethics
Case Study
The coronavirus disease (CoVID-19) pandemic has quickly spread to various countries. As on May 8th, 2020, in India
56342 positive cases of corona had been reported. India with a population of more than 1-35 billion had difficulty in
controlling the transmission of coronavirus among its population. Multiple strategies became necessary to handle this
outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India raised awareness about this outbreak and to take all
necessary actions to control the spread of COVID-19. Indian Government implemented a 55-day lockdown throughout
the country to reduce the transmission of the virus. Schools and colleges had shifted to alternative mode of teaching-
learning-evaluation and certification. Online mode became popular during these days. India was not prepared fora
sudden onslaught of such a crisis due to limited infrastructure in terms of human resource, money and other facilities
needed for taking care of this situation. This disease did not spare anybody irrespective of caste, creed, religion on the
one hand and have and have not’on the other. Deficiencies in hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, ambulances, hospital
staff and crematorium were the most crucial aspects You are a hospital administrator in a public hospital at the time
when coronavirus had attacked large number of people and patients were pouring into hospital day in and day out.

a)What are your criteria and justification for putting your clinical and non-clinical staff to attend to the patients
knowing fully well that it is highly infectious disease and resources and infrastructure are limited?
b)If yours is a private hospital, whether your justification and decision would remain same as that of a public hospital?
(Answer in 250 words) 20

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 Approach
• Give a brief overview of the case.
• Mention the criteria you will put in place, as a hospital administrator, for both
clinical and non-clinical staff, under the given circumstances.
• Mention with proper justification that the decisions mentioned above would
apply to a private hospital.

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 Answer
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelms healthcare systems, forcing hospital
administrators to make critical decisions with limited resources and high infection risks.

(a)

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 Answer
(b) Adaptations in a Private Hospital Setting

• Common Practices: Similar safety and operational protocols as in public hospitals.

• Additional Measures:
● Financial Practices: Regulate treatment costs and ensure transparency in billing.
● Compliance Monitoring: Enforce adherence to government advisories and proper patient
care standards.
● Insurance Processing: Streamline health insurance claims to facilitate smoother patient
experiences.

Conclusion: Unified efforts by public and private hospitals are crucial for effective COVID-19
management, ensuring safety and equitable healthcare delivery.

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