A case study is a comprehensive and in-depth examination of a particular subject, often within its real-life context. It serves as a methodological tool to explore, analyze, and understand complex issues or phenomena, ranging from individual experiences to organizational challenges. Typically employed in various academic disciplines, business settings, and scientific research, a case study involves an extensive investigation that aims to provide a detailed account of the subject under scrutiny. By delving into the intricate details of a specific case, researchers can uncover valuable insights, draw conclusions, and offer practical solutions. This method offers a holistic approach, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing the subject, making it an invaluable tool for gaining knowledge and informing decision-making processes.
Q7. 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 health care scheme meant for senior citizens.
The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following:
- 60 years of age or above.
- Belonging to a reserved community.
- Family income of less than 1 Lakh rupees per annum.
- 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 residents 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 has no children to support them. The expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing to do the surgery without charging any fee. However, the couple will have to bear the cost of incidental charges, such as medicines, hospitalization, etc., to the tune of rupees one lakh. The couple fulfils all the criteria except criterion ‘b’. However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their quality of life.
How should Rakesh respond to the situation? (250 Words, 20 Marks)
Tag: Case Study
Decoding the Question:
- In Introduction, try to write a case summary.
- In Body,
- Mention the stakeholder involved.
- Discuss how Rakesh should respond in the prevailing situation?
- In Conclusion, try to mention that taking this case as a base, he may propose his seniors to consider insertion of sub categories for economically weaker sections.
Answer:
Case Summary:
- Rakesh is an honest, trustable and responsible district level officer. He was given the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under a health scheme.
- One day, an old couple visited Rakesh’s office seeking help as they don’t have any children to support them.
- They fulfill all the criteria (as mentioned) which help them to get included in the beneficiary list except for one criterion (they do not belong to a reserved family). Any financial help makes a significant difference in their quality life.
Stakeholders in the case:
- Rakesh as a responsible district level officer.
- An old couple, who visited Rakesh’s office with their application for help.
- Society at large.
Being a responsible public servant, he is strictly guided by the law and criteria and it is necessary because the set of given criteria instill the element of transparency and probity and help in governance to be just and fair.
In this given situation, the immediate response of Rakesh should be:
- As a district-level officer, Rakesh is entrusted with the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under the health care scheme for senior citizens. During the process, he came across a form submitted by an old couple seeking inclusion as beneficiaries in the scheme, but unfortunately they do not belong to the reserved community which is one of the criteria for inclusion in the scheme.
- Find Government Facilities: As the expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing to do the surgery without charging any fee. The problem is with the cost of hospitalization, medicines etc. So in this situation Rakesh should check for the available facilities (bed, medicines, etc) for the concerned disease at the district government hospitals.
- NGOs: Rakesh should hold meetings with Non-government Organizations (NGOs) working in the health sector for old age people and public spirited citizens.
- As a district level officer, the duty of Rakesh is to follow the rules and norms of the work but as a human and civil servant, he has responsibility towards citizens in general and old age people in particular. On receiving the application, his immediate course of action should be to hold a meeting with the surgeon who is willing to do the surgery free of cost. The prime focus during the discussion should be to know the details of the condition of the applicant, his health, and the kind of care required post surgery.
- Seek help from executive funds: if relaxation within the health scheme is not permissible, Rakesh should explore other possibilities like Chief Minister’s Relief Fund or even Prime Minister’s relief fund after getting an endorsement from the MLA and MP of the region. Every year a certain number of people are assisted treatment of severe diseases from these funds.
- Look for other alternatives: Rakesh should also forward an application to his superiors in the district with the details of the case requesting them, if possible, from the DM welfare fund for financial support for this specific case or go for crowdfunding.
- These immediate steps are to ensure support to the couple in consideration. As a midterm solution, Rakesh should try to organize awareness among citizens of the district regarding the Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP). Secondly, he should hold meetings with NGOs, public institutions, and public-spirited citizens to organize outreach programs. He should make proposals and efforts to provide space and create awareness about PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the District, Block, and Village levels.
This case cannot be taken in isolation as there would be many more poor people in need. Taking this case as a base, Rakesh may propose his seniors to consider the insertion of a sub-category for economically weaker sections. Sub-categorization can be considered as inclusive of landless poor, old people without children, and people without any permanent source of income.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
