UPSC Mains 2020 GS3 Q15 — Technology in healthcare
COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Give an account of
- Scope keywords
- COVID-19 pandemicunprecedented devastationtechnological advancementsavailed readilywin over the crisismanagement of the pandemic
- Implicit sub-parts
- Categorization of technologies used (medical vs. digital vs. logistical).
- Role of technology in the specific stages of management: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and distribution.
- The institutional and societal shift towards digital adoption during the crisis.
- Critical evaluation of whether technology was inclusive or created a digital divide during management.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on the 'devastation' (pathology/deaths) rather than the 'management' aspect.
- Restricting the answer to only vaccines, ignoring Arogya Setu, CoWIN, RT-PCR, and telemedicine.
- Listing technologies without explaining 'how' they helped (e.g., mentioning drones without explaining their role in sanitization or delivery).
- Failing to mention the 'unprecedented' speed of R&D as a technological feat compared to historical pandemics.
- Dimensions required
- Digital/IT InfrastructureBiotechnology and PharmaceuticalsGovernance and SurveillanceLogistics and Supply Chain ManagementSocial and Communication Technology
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 40-50 words to a brief intro acknowledging the crisis and the central role of technology. Dedicate 160-170 words to the core account of technologies (Diagnostic, Contact Tracing, Vaccine R&D, and Tele-health). Use the remaining 30-40 words for a conclusion that touches upon 'Technology for Good' while acknowledging the digital divide.
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