Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme is a free emergency cardiac care initiative of the Government of Karnataka that provides Golden Hour treatment to heart attack patients at government taluk and district hospitals across the state. The scheme offers free ECG testing, AI-powered diagnosis, and a free Tenecteplase injection worth Rs. 30,000 to critical patients through a hub and spoke model connecting taluk hospitals with super-speciality centres.
Karnataka Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme |
| Also Known As | Karnataka STEMI Management Programme |
| State | Karnataka |
| Implemented By | Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka |
| Named After | Late Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who died of a sudden heart attack on 29 October 2021 |
| Scheme Type | Free emergency cardiac care – not a cash transfer or financial assistance scheme |
| Main Objective | Provide Golden Hour cardiac treatment to heart attack patients at taluk and district hospitals across Karnataka |
| Model | Hub and Spoke – taluk hospitals as spokes, super-speciality hospitals as hubs |
| Technology Partner | Tricog Health – AI-powered ECG diagnosis system |
| Key Benefit | Free Tenecteplase injection worth Rs. 30,000 for critical heart attack patients |
| ECG Facility | Free ECG test at government-run hospitals |
| Specialist Support | 65 cardiac specialists available online to guide taluk doctors |
| Eligibility | Any resident of Karnataka experiencing heart attack symptoms, no income or category restriction |
| Registration Required | No – walk-in emergency treatment |
| Emergency Contact | Call 108 immediately |
| Phase 1 | March 2023 – 45 spoke hospitals, 3 SJICR hubs |
| Phase 2 | March 2024 – 71 spoke hospitals, 11 hub hospitals, Rs. 32 crore Tenecteplase procurement |
| Current Coverage | 86 government hospitals as of 2025 – expanding to all taluk hospitals |
| ECGs Conducted So Far | Over 9,21,020 as of October 2025 |
| Patients Saved by Tenecteplase | 1,106 patients as of October 2025 |
| Official Health Portal | healthsecretariat.karnataka.gov.in |
Introduction of Karnataka Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme: A Brief Insight
Every year, thousands of people in Karnataka die from sudden heart attacks, not because treatment was unavailable but because they could not reach the right hospital in time. In most taluk and rural areas, cardiac care facilities were simply absent. By the time a patient travelled to a city hospital, the critical golden hour had already passed. The Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme was designed to address exactly this problem.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, launched this scheme in memory of beloved Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who died of a sudden heart attack on 29 October 2021. The scheme is officially part of the Karnataka STEMI Management Programme and is the first cardiac emergency care initiative of its kind in the entire country. It aims to provide Golden Hour treatment to heart attack patients at the nearest government taluk or district hospital without any delay, paperwork, or cost.
The scheme operates on a hub-and-spoke model. Taluk and district hospitals act as spoke centres where patients first receive a free ECG test. An AI-powered system developed by Tricog Health analyses the ECG in real time and flags critical cases within minutes. If a heart attack is confirmed, doctors at the spoke hospital immediately administer a free Tenecteplase injection worth Rs. 30,000 that stabilises the patient within minutes and prevents further cardiac damage. Simultaneously, 65 cardiac specialists available online guide the taluk doctors through the emergency. Once stabilised, the patient is transferred to a hub super-speciality hospital for advanced treatment, including angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass grafting.
The scheme covers anyone in Karnataka experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, arm or jaw pain, cold sweat, or dizziness. There is no income limit, no prior registration, and no application form. Any person who walks into a government spoke hospital or calls 108 receives free treatment immediately. The Karnataka Government has already conducted over 9,21,020 ECGs under the scheme, diagnosed 13,515 STEMI cases, and saved 1,106 patients through timely Tenecteplase injections as of October 2025.
Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme works in coordination with other Karnataka health programmes to deliver comprehensive care. Patients who need hospitalisation for advanced cardiac procedures can also access coverage through the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides cashless treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh per year for eligible families at empanelled hospitals. Karnataka Government’s Employees can additionally access the Arogya Sanjeevini Scheme through which the state government extends health coverage beyond the Ayushman Bharat framework.
The Karnataka Government is now expanding the scheme to all taluk hospitals across the state. As part of this expansion, 163 hospitals will receive Automated External Defibrillators and a dedicated Programme Management Unit has been set up for Tele-ECG oversight. AEDs are also being deployed at airports and major railway stations so that cardiac emergencies in public spaces can be addressed immediately.
People looking for more health welfare schemes, insurance coverage, medical assistance programmes, and social security initiatives in Karnataka can also explore other initiatives available under our Karnataka Government Schemes List section, according to their eligibility and requirements.
How Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme Actually Works
Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme does not work like a regular welfare scheme where you apply and wait for approval. It is a live emergency cardiac care system that activates the moment a heart attack patient walks into a government-sponsored hospital. Here is the complete flow from arrival to treatment.
When a patient arrives at a government taluk or district hospital with chest pain or heart attack symptoms, the medical staff immediately conducts a free ECG. The ECG data is instantly transmitted to the AI-powered system developed by Tricog Health, which analyses the readings in real time. If the system detects any ST wave elevation indicating a critical heart attack, it flags the case within minutes and directs the doctor to administer treatment immediately.
The doctor at the spoke hospital then administers a free Tenecteplase injection worth Rs. 30,000 to the patient. This blood-clot-dissolving injection starts working within minutes and stabilises the patient by restoring blood flow to the heart. Simultaneously, the spoke hospital connects with the nearest hub hospital through the telemedicine system, where cardiac specialists guide the taluk doctors through the emergency process in real time.
Once the patient is stabilised, the spoke hospital arranges transfer to the hub hospital for advanced cardiac procedures, including angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass grafting, wherever required. After discharge, the health department follows up with the patient for 6 months to monitor recovery and reduce mortality risk.
Phase-wise Expansion of Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme
The Karnataka Government has been expanding the scheme in phases to ensure Golden Hour cardiac care reaches every corner of the state.
| Phase | Timeline | Coverage | Key Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | March 2023 | 45 spoke hospitals, 3 hub hospitals | Scheme launched. Three SJICR centres in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Kalaburagi are hubs. AI-powered ECG diagnosis system activated. |
| Phase 2 | March 2024 | 71 spoke hospitals, 11 hub hospitals | State-level launch in Dharwad. Private medical colleges added as hubs. Rs. 32 crore invested for Tenecteplase injection procurement across all spoke hospitals. |
| Phase 3 | 2025 onwards | 163 hospitals to receive AEDs | Expansion announced to all taluk hospitals. The Programme Management Unit was set up for Tele-ECG. AEDs being deployed at airports and major railway stations. 77 additional STEMI centres are being set up using department resources. |
As of October 2025, the scheme covers 86 government hospitals across Karnataka. The Karnataka Government has announced full expansion to all taluk hospitals across the state so that no patient in any district is beyond the reach of Golden Hour cardiac care.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme provides free emergency cardiac care to heart attack patients across Karnataka through a structured hub and spoke model connecting taluk hospitals with super-speciality centres.
- Free ECG test conducted immediately at the nearest government-speak hospital for anyone experiencing heart attack symptoms
- AI-powered diagnosis system flags critical cases within minutes and directs doctors to administer emergency treatment
- Free Tenecteplase injection worth Rs. 30,000 administered to critical heart attack patients at spoke hospitals
- Injection stabilises the patient within minutes and buys crucial time for transfer to a hub hospital
- 24/7 telemedicine support from 65 cardiac specialists available online to guide Taluk Hospital doctors during emergencies
- Seamless referral and transfer to hub super-speciality hospitals for advanced treatment, including thrombolysis, angioplasty, stenting, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- No registration, no paperwork, and no income restriction – emergency treatment provided immediately on arrival
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are being deployed at district and taluk hospitals, airports, and major railway stations for immediate resuscitation support
- All STEMI critical patients are followed up for 6 months after discharge to monitor recovery and reduce mortality
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme is open to all residents of Karnataka without any income or category restrictions. Any person experiencing heart attack symptoms can walk into a government-sponsored hospital and receive free emergency cardiac care under the scheme.
- Any person residing in Karnataka experiencing symptoms of a heart attack is eligible
- No income limit or BPL/APL category restriction applies
- Both rural and urban residents can avail emergency care at the nearest government-speak hospital
- No prior registration or application required
- Patients experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the arm or jaw, cold sweat, or dizziness should immediately visit the nearest government hospital or call 108
Heart Attack Warning Symptoms – Do Not Ignore
The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka officially advises that anyone experiencing the following symptoms should call 108 or rush to the nearest hospital immediately for Golden Hour treatment.
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the arm or jaw
- Cold sweat
- Dizziness or sudden weakness
Important: Golden Hour treatment within the first hour of a heart attack significantly increases the chances of survival. Do not wait – call 108 or rush to the nearest government hospital immediately.
Documents Required to be Attached
Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme is an emergency cardiac care programme. Patients do not need to apply in advance or submit documents to avail benefits under the scheme. Any person who reaches a government-speak hospital with heart attack symptoms receives free ECG and emergency treatment immediately.
However, for smooth processing and follow-up care, patients or their family members may be asked to keep the following documents handy at the hospital.
- Aadhaar Card or any valid government-issued identity proof
- Previous medical records or prescriptions related to cardiac conditions, wherever available
- Details of existing medications, wherever applicable
- Mobile number for follow-up contact after discharge
Important: Absence of documents does not prevent a patient from receiving emergency treatment under the scheme. Free ECG and Tenecteplase injection are provided immediately based on medical condition, regardless of documentation.
How Beneficiaries Can Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme does not require any prior application or registration. Any person experiencing heart attack symptoms can directly walk into the nearest government hospital or call 108 to avail free emergency cardiac care under the scheme.
Step 1: If you or someone around you experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the arm or jaw, cold sweat, or dizziness – call 108 immediately or rush to the nearest government taluk or district hospital without delay. Every minute matters during a heart attack.
Step 2: On arrival at the spoke hospital, medical staff will immediately conduct a free ECG to assess the cardiac condition of the patient.
Step 3: The AI-powered system developed by Tricog Health analyses the ECG in real time and flags any ST wave elevation within minutes. This allows doctors to identify critical STEMI cases almost instantly.
Step 4: If the ECG confirms a critical heart attack, the doctor at the spoke hospital administers a free Tenecteplase injection worth Rs. 30,000 immediately. This blood-clot-dissolving injection stabilises the patient within minutes and prevents further cardiac damage.
Step 5: The spoke hospital connects with the nearest hub hospital through the telemedicine system. Cardiac specialists available online guide the taluk doctors through the emergency treatment process in real time.
Step 6: After stabilisation, the patient is transferred to the hub hospital for advanced cardiac care, including angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), wherever required.
Step 7: After discharge, the patient is followed up for 6 months by the health department to monitor recovery and ensure continued care.
Important: Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Golden Hour treatment within the first hour of a heart attack significantly increases the chances of survival. Call 108 or reach the nearest government hospital immediately.
Important Links Available
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka.
- Health Secretariat, Government of Karnataka.
- National Health Mission Karnataka.
- Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini Scheme.
- Government of Karnataka Official Portal.
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
Patients facing a cardiac emergency or seeking information about Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme can contact the following official channels.
- Emergency Helpline: 108 (Call immediately for cardiac emergency and ambulance support)
- Karnataka Government Grievance Helpline: 1902
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka
Ananda Rao Circle,
Bengaluru 560001 - National Health Mission Karnataka: nhm.karnataka.gov.in/english
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme?
Ans. Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme is a free emergency cardiac care initiative launched by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, to provide Golden Hour treatment to heart attack patients across the state through a hub and spoke model connecting taluk hospitals with super-speciality centres.
Q. Why was this scheme named after Puneeth Rajkumar?
Ans. The scheme is named in memory of popular Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who died of a sudden heart attack on 29 October 2021. The Karnataka Government launched this cardiac care initiative as a tribute to his legacy and to prevent similar sudden cardiac deaths across the state.
Q. Who can avail benefits under this scheme?
Ans. Any person residing in Karnataka who experiences heart attack symptoms can avail free emergency cardiac care under the scheme. There is no income limit, category restriction, or prior registration required.
Q. What is the Golden Hour in cardiac treatment?
Ans. The Golden Hour refers to the first hour after a heart attack begins. Treatment administered within this period significantly increases the chances of survival and reduces cardiac damage. Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme is specifically designed to ensure patients receive life-saving treatment within this critical window at their nearest taluk hospital.
Q. What free treatment does a patient receive under the scheme?
Ans. Patients receive a free ECG test, an AI-powered diagnosis, and a free Tenecteplase injection worth Rs. 30,000 at the spoke hospital. They also receive telemedicine support from cardiac specialists and referral to hub hospitals for advanced treatment wherever required.
Q. What is a Tenecteplase injection?
Ans. Tenecteplase is a blood-clot-dissolving injection administered to critical heart attack patients. It stabilises the patient within minutes, prevents further cardiac damage, and buys crucial time for the patient to be transferred to a hub hospital for advanced treatment. Each injection is worth Rs. 30,000 and is provided completely free under the scheme.
Q. What is the hub and spoke model under this scheme?
Ans. Under the hub and spoke model, taluk and district hospitals act as spoke centres where patients first receive ECG testing and emergency Tenecteplase treatment. Super-speciality hospitals, including Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research centres and private medical colleges act as hub centres where patients are transferred for advanced cardiac procedures.
Q. How does AI technology help under this scheme?
Ans. An AI-powered system developed by Tricog Health analyses the ECG in real time and immediately flags any ST wave elevation indicating a critical heart attack. This allows doctors at taluk hospitals to identify life-threatening cases within minutes and administer the Tenecteplase injection without delay.
Q. Do I need to apply or register before availing the scheme?
Ans. No. There is no prior registration or application required. Any person experiencing heart attack symptoms can directly walk into the nearest government hospital or call 108 to receive immediate free treatment under the scheme.
Q. What should I do if I experience heart attack symptoms?
Ans. Call 108 immediately or rush to the nearest government taluk or district hospital without delay. Do not ignore symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the arm or jaw, cold sweat, or dizziness. Every minute matters during a heart attack.
Q. How many hospitals are covered under this scheme?
Ans. As of 2025, the scheme covers 86 government hospitals across Karnataka. The Karnataka Government has announced expansion to all taluk hospitals across the state, with 163 hospitals set to receive Automated External Defibrillators.
Q. What has been the impact of the scheme so far?
Ans. As of October 2025, over 9,21,020 ECGs have been conducted under the scheme. A total of 13,515 STEMI cases were diagnosed, 7,815 patients received advanced treatment, and Tenecteplase injections successfully prevented sudden cardiac arrest in 1,106 patients. The STEMI mortality rate has reduced from 18% at launch to 15%.
Q. Is this scheme only for BPL or poor patients?
Ans. No. The scheme is open to all residents of Karnataka regardless of income or economic category. Both APL and general public can avail free emergency cardiac care under the scheme.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.