Rakesh is a responsible district level officer, who enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his honesty, the government entrusted him with the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under a healthcare scheme meant for senior citizens.
The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following:
(a) 60 years of age or above.
(b) Belonging to a reserved community.
(c) Family income of less than 1 lakh per annum.
(d) Post-treatment prognosis is likely to be high to make a positive difference to the quality of life of the beneficiary.
One day, an old couple visited Rakesh’s office with their application. They have been the residenta of a village in his district since their birth. The old man is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes obstruction in the large intestine. As a consequence, he has severe abdominal pain frequently that prevents him from doing any physical labour. The couple have no children to support them. The expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing to do the surgery without charging any fee.
a. However, the couple will have to bear the cost of incidental charges, such as medicines, hospitalization, etc., to the tune of 1 lakh. The couple fulfills all the criteria except criterion
b. However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their quality of life.
c. How should Rakesh respond to the situation ? (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Briefly introduce Rakesh’s role and responsibilities.
- State the healthcare scheme’s purpose and eligibility criteria.
- Highlight the couple’s unique situation and the dilemma faced by Rakesh.
2. Understanding the Criteria
- List the eligibility criteria:
- (a) Age: 60 years or above.
- (b) Community: Must belong to a reserved community.
- (c) Income: Family income less than ₹1 lakh per annum.
- (d) Health prognosis: High likelihood of improving quality of life post-treatment.
- Emphasize that the couple fulfills all criteria except for community status.
3. Situation Analysis
- Describe the couple’s background:
- Long-term residents of the village.
- The husband’s medical condition (rare intestinal obstruction causing severe pain).
- Financial constraints due to the absence of children.
- Note the surgeon’s willingness to perform the surgery free of charge.
4. Response Strategy for Rakesh
- Verify the Application: Confirm legitimacy through documents and medical reports.
- Consult Higher Officials: Seek guidance on exceptions to the criteria.
- Explore Special Provisions: Investigate if the scheme allows for flexibility in unique cases.
- Identify Alternative Aid: Look for local NGOs or charitable organizations for additional support.
- Advocate for the Couple: Present their case to higher authorities emphasizing the potential positive impact on quality of life.
- Assess Financial Need: Review the couple’s financial situation in detail to confirm their inability to afford incidental costs.
- Consult Medical Experts: Get insights from the surgeon regarding the benefits of the treatment.
- Evaluate Fund Availability: Check if there’s room in the scheme’s budget for exceptional cases.
5. Consider Long-Term Implications
- Reflect on how this decision might set a precedent for future cases.
- Discuss the importance of maintaining fairness and effectiveness in the healthcare scheme.
6. Conclusion
- Summarize the approach Rakesh should take.
- Emphasize the importance of empathy and ethical decision-making in public service.
Relevant Facts
- Age and Income Criteria: Statistics from government health schemes often note that elderly individuals face higher health risks, making financial assistance crucial (Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare).
- Impact of Treatment: Research indicates that timely medical interventions significantly enhance the quality of life for elderly patients (Source: Journal of Geriatric Medicine).
- Community Support: Many senior citizens rely on community resources for healthcare, which can be limited for those not belonging to reserved categories (Source: National Health Policy).
This roadmap provides a structured approach to addressing the question, ensuring all relevant aspects of Rakesh’s situation and the couple’s needs are thoroughly considered.
Responding to the Situation: Ethical Considerations and Practical Solutions
1. Adherence to Established Criteria
Rakesh’s primary responsibility is to adhere to the criteria established for the healthcare scheme: age, reserved community status, income, and prognosis. In this case, the old couple meets all criteria except for belonging to a reserved community. Strict adherence to these criteria ensures fairness and uniformity in the distribution of benefits.
2. Evaluating the Exceptional Circumstance
Despite not meeting all criteria, the couple’s situation presents a significant need. Their financial constraints and the potential for improved quality of life through surgery highlight the humanitarian aspect of the case. The surgery, which is crucial for alleviating severe pain and improving their life quality, is supported by a willing surgeon, but the incidental costs pose a barrier.
3. Seeking Alternative Solutions
To address the couple’s needs while adhering to rules, Rakesh could explore the following options:
4. Ensuring Transparency and Fairness
Rakesh should ensure that any recommendation or decision is transparent and justified to maintain trust and integrity in the process. Documenting the couple’s situation and exploring all possible avenues for assistance aligns with ethical governance practices while respecting established criteria.
In conclusion, Rakesh should act compassionately by exploring alternative support mechanisms and advocating for exceptional consideration if necessary, ensuring both ethical adherence and humanitarian support.
Model Answer
Introduction
In this case study, Rakesh, a responsible district-level officer, is tasked with identifying beneficiaries for a healthcare scheme aimed at senior citizens. The scheme has specific eligibility criteria, including age, community status, family income, and potential health outcomes. Although the elderly couple seeking assistance meets all criteria except for belonging to a reserved community, Rakesh must approach the situation with empathy, considering their dire financial situation and the significant positive impact the treatment would have on their quality of life.
Body
To address the couple’s situation, Rakesh can take the following steps:
Conclusion
By approaching the situation with compassion and a commitment to exploring all possible avenues of assistance, Rakesh can make a well-informed decision that prioritizes the elderly couple’s well-being while adhering to the scheme’s established criteria as closely as possible.