GS4 · UPSC Mains
During the second wave of Covid-19, Amit, a resident of a posh metropolitan society, was desperately looking for Covid-19 vaccination slots for him and his wife. His wife is diabetic and also suffers from asthma. The government has started an online registration process for keeping a track of vaccination progress as well as maintaining transparency in vaccination allocation. However, the demand has out stripped the supply by a huge margin and it has become very difficult to get a slot booked for vaccination. Amit tried to register an online slot for himself and his wife but, like millions of others, he was unable to book a slot. He also visited all the health facilities near him and even requested government officials for vaccines, but to no avail. He knew that the chairman of his society, Mr. Chadda, is a politically connected man and could arrange the vaccines. When Amit approached Mr. Chadda, he told Amit that other members of the society had also approached him and he was trying to get vaccines for the entire society. After a few days, a camp has been set up in the society for free vaccination of all eligible members of the society. Amit decides to volunteer in the vaccination drive. While volunteering, he finds that the vaccine boxes have 'For Public Health Centre, Village Gumla' written on them. Amit understood that these vaccines are meant for rural area but had been diverted to this society. He brings the matter to the notice of Mr. Chadda. Mr. Chadda tells Amit that he should not worry about the source of the vaccine and if he feels any guilt, he can skip the vaccination drive as it is a voluntary exercise. Amit knows that this is the only opportunity for him and his wife to get vaccines immediately. When Amit asks for his wife's opinion, she advises him to be thankful that Mr. Chadda has arranged the vaccines for them and that people in the villages are safer as villages are less congested. Amit is now in a conundrum over whether he should get vaccine shots for him and his wife that are meant for rural people. He is also not sure whether he should report the matter to government officials or not. Apart from facing danger of contracting Covid-19, the decision to report would also lead to many other old and vulnerable residents of the society to miss out on the vaccine. With reference to this case study: a) Bring out and discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in this case. b) What is the best course of action for Amit? What ethical principles should he consider before taking any future action?
GS4 · Case studies on the above issues GS4 · Public/civil service values & ethics in public administration — status & problems; ethical concerns & dilemmas; conflict of interest
| Topper | Rank | Source | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mehak Jain | — | Forumias | p.27 |
| Ishita Rathi | — | Forumias | p.29 |