13 August 2026

Medical and health-related developments

The topic covers specific legal frameworks like the MTP Act and Advance Medical Directives, as well as public health policy directives regarding cancer notification, which are directly relevant to governance and health sector policy questions in GS2.

Questions

1. Discuss the significance of Advance Medical Directives (AMD) in upholding patient autonomy and the legal safeguards provided by the judiciary to prevent misuse of passive euthanasia. 150 words
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2. The notification of diseases is a critical component of public health surveillance. In the context of the Supreme Court's directive on cancer, analyze the importance of making non-communicable diseases notifiable and the challenges in implementing a uniform national policy across States. 250 words
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Prelims

1. Under the Tamil Nadu Advance Medical Directive Guidelines, 2026, when does an Advance Medical Directive (AMD) formally take effect?

   1. A Immediately upon registration with the Joint Director of Health Services
   2. B When the executor is diagnosed with a terminal illness by a single physician
   3. C When the executor becomes incapable of making or communicating informed medical decisions
   4. D Upon the approval of the High Court in all cases

2. What is the primary objective of declaring a disease as 'notifiable' by the State government?

   1. A To ensure early detection and systematic tracking of disease prevalence
   2. B To restrict the movement of patients across state borders
   3. C To mandate free treatment for all citizens in government hospitals
   4. D To automatically qualify patients for insurance coverage under national schemes