GS4 · 20 marks · 250 words
You are a district magistrate. A tragic incident took place at tertiary health care centre in your district were nearly 30 infants, suffering from acute encephalitis, died due to oxygen deprivation. Dr X, the head of the encephalitis ward and a paediatrician, managed to save many lives. He rushed to the clinics of his doctor friends and brought around 12 oxygen cylinders in his car. He even spent some money from his own pocket. The parents in the hospital had said that had it not been for X's work, the number of deaths would be more than 30. National media hailed Dr. X as hero for being forefront of rescue effort, bringing oxygen cylinders for the new-born babies who were fighting for their life on the chaotic day when the mass deaths took place at the hospital. However, preliminary enquiry by you revealed that he was involved in selling subsidised oxygen cylinders from the hospital in the open market. This was one of the reasons for the shortage of oxygen. The enquiry also shows that previously he was charged with medical negligence and also accused of private practice. Dr. X, however is being hailed as national hero by the media. a) As a DM what would be your immediate course of action on Dr. X? b) As head of enquiry team how you would balance between appreciating his compassionate and pro-active actions during emergency situation and punishing for being the agent causing such situation. c) As a DM what long term measures you will take to avoid such incidents in future?
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Syllabus: Case Studies on above issues.
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The toppers’ answers
More on Crisis Decision Making
Deciding under time pressure with incomplete information, and the ethics of acting or waiting.
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