नीतिशास्त्र

Model Answer

Introduction

The case of a pregnant woman in need of a blood transfusion during a landslide crisis presents significant ethical challenges. As the District Magistrate, I must navigate the tension between humanitarian imperatives and established medical protocols.

a. Ethical Issues Involved

1. Moral Duty to Respond: There is an urgent ethical obligation to save the lives of both the mother and her unborn child, which may necessitate deviating from standard procedures.
2. Professional Accountability: Doctors face ethical dilemmas regarding accountability; they wish to help but are concerned about repercussions for bypassing protocols.
3. Team Dynamics: The division among team members regarding the decision to transfuse blood highlights difficulties in crisis decision-making and the need for cohesive action.
4. Utilitarian vs. Deontological Ethics: The conflict between a utilitarian approach (prioritizing immediate life-saving actions) and deontological ethics (adhering to established rules) is central to this dilemma.
5. Legal Compliance: Using blood not procured from a recognized blood bank poses legal risks and breaches patient safety regulations, complicating the ethical landscape.

b. Evaluating Available Options

Option 1: Proceed with Immediate Blood Transfusion

Pros:

• Immediate lifesaving action aligns with humanitarian values.
• Quick response could prevent fatalities.

Cons:

• Risk of infectious disease transmission due to lack of screening.
• Potential legal repercussions for violating medical protocols.

Option 2: Seek Blood from a Recognized Blood Bank

Pros:

• Ensures safety and quality of the transfused blood.
• Adheres to legal and ethical medical standards.

Cons:

• Delay in obtaining blood may jeopardize the mother and child’s lives.
• Missed opportunity to utilize available volunteers.

Appropriate Action

1. Coordinate with Medical Authorities: Collaborate closely with medical personnel to assess urgency and explore blood procurement options, considering volunteer contributions and the need for screening.
2. Document the Decision-Making Process: Maintain thorough documentation of consultations and the rationale behind my decision, which is critical for legal protection and accountability.
3. Crisis Management Strategy: Advocate for flexible protocols during emergencies, establishing guidelines for exceptional circumstances to ensure timely and ethical responses.

Conclusion

In navigating this ethical complexity, the imperative is to prioritize the greater good while ensuring safety and accountability. Balancing immediate humanitarian needs with legal and ethical standards is crucial in making a decision that aligns with both professional integrity and moral duty.