Q. Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city.
She has been made in-charge of the new super speciality center that the hospitalis building with state-of-the art equipment and world class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother’s company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favouritism against her and tarnish her image The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers.
a) What should be Sneha’s course of action?
b) How would she justify what she chooses to do?
c) In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?
UPSC Mains 2024 GS4 Ethics Paper
Model Answer:
Sneha’s ethical dilemma stems from the conflict between personal interest and professional responsibility in her role as head of the procurement committee for a new super specialty center.
a) Sneha’s course of action should be:
• Recuse herself from the decision-making process for this particular procurement.
• Disclose the conflict of interest to the hospital management and procurement committee.
• Request an independent evaluation of all bids, including her brother’s.
• Ensure complete transparency throughout the procurement process.
b) Justification for her actions:
• Maintaining ethical integrity and upholding professional standards.
• Avoiding potential charges of favoritism or nepotism, which could tarnish her reputation.
• Preserving the trust placed in her by the hospital management.
• Ensuring fair competition and best value for the hospital’s investment.
c) Compromise of medical ethics with vested personal interest:
• Quality of equipment might be compromised if the decision is based on personal relations rather than merit, potentially affecting patient care.
• The hospital may face financial risks if the chosen supplier experiences difficulties, impacting its ability to provide optimal healthcare.
• Public trust in the healthcare system could erode if such practices become known, undermining the institution’s credibility.
• The principle of beneficence (doing good for patients) may be violated if decisions are not based on ensuring the best medical outcomes.
Ethical principles to consider include integrity, transparency, accountability, and fairness. A stakeholder analysis reveals that patients, hospital management, other suppliers, and Sneha herself would be affected by her decision.
Conclusion: Ethical decision-making in healthcare management is crucial for maintaining institutional integrity and prioritizing patient welfare over personal interests.
