Topic: Case Study
7. You are working as the Quality Control Officer in a major pharmaceutical company which known for making major drugs. During a routine inspection you come across the information that the company has been using sub-standard materials to manufacture a syrup used for treatment of diseases in children, which is by and large exported to many poor African countries. Upon bringing this to the notice of your CEO, he mentions that it being done as per agreement with the governments of the respective countries to make the syrup affordable and assures that the material used has no known adverse effects.
A few days later, reports emerge that many children who had taken that syrup have died and it has become a major international news with African nations demanding accountability of the manufacturer. Your CEO has denied any wrongdoing and has issued a statement that no substandard materials were used. He calls you in his chamber and asks you to corroborate his statement and if you fail to do so, all the blame will be shifted on you. If you agree to do it, then you will receive a ‘handsome’ bonus and salary hike with a promotion.
- What are the options available to you in this situation? Discuss their merits and demerits.
- What option will you chose? Justify.
- What can be done to prevent such incidents from happening in the future?
Difficulty Level: tough
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving the context. Bring out the key stakeholders in the above case study.
Body:
In the body, Write about the various options available to you and their pros and cons.
Next, write about the option you will take in the above scenario and justify ethically.
Next, write about your suggestions to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing on the importance of transparency and accountability in above such cases.
