GS4 · UPSC Mains
You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug, 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data points indicating adverse reactions were deliberately omitted from the final report submitted to the regulatory authorities. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation? (20 marks, 250 words)
GS4 · Public/civil service values & ethics in public administration — status & problems; ethical concerns & dilemmas; conflict of interest GS4 · Case studies on the above issues
| Topper | Rank | Source | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravula Jayasimha Reddy | — | UnlockIAS | p.45 |
| Ranga Manju | — | UnlockIAS | p.45 |
| Ranga Manju | — | UnlockIAS | p.45 |
| Nandanaa G P | — | UnlockIAS | p.45 |
| Sachin B G | — | UnlockIAS | p.45 |
| Ranga Manju | — | UnlockIAS | p.45 |
| Ajink Kumar | — | Vajiram & Ravi | p.45 |
| Nandanaa G P | — | Vajiram & Ravi | p.45 |
| Poorva Agrawal | — | Vajiram & Ravi | p.45 |
| Shivansh Tripathi | — | Vajiram & Ravi | p.45 |