In a significant step towards combating the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases, the Karnataka government launched the Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyoti Yojana (also referred to as Hrudaya Jyothi Scheme) in late 2023. Named after the beloved Kannada actor Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar, who tragically passed away due to a cardiac arrest in October 2021 at the age of 46, the scheme honors his legacy by addressing preventable heart-related deaths through rapid emergency care. By 2025-2026, the initiative has evolved into one of the state's flagship public health programs, leveraging technology, a hub-and-spoke model, and free life-saving interventions to save thousands of lives, particularly in rural areas.
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Background and Launch
The scheme was formally launched on October 31, 2023, by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, coinciding closely with the second death anniversary of Puneeth Rajkumar. It builds on an existing STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) management project at the taluk level, which was renamed in the actor's honor. Karnataka has witnessed a concerning rise in heart attack cases, including among younger populations, prompting the need for a robust emergency response system.
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| Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyoti Yojana |
The primary goal is to minimize delays in diagnosing and treating heart attacks, especially during the critical "Golden Hour" — the first 60 minutes after symptom onset, when timely intervention can dramatically improve survival rates and reduce long-term damage. The program integrates emergency ambulance services (108), government hospitals, digital ECG technology, AI-assisted diagnostics, tele-cardiology, and specialist referrals.
Highlights: Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyoti Yojana 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 31 October 2023 |
| Named After | Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar |
| Objective | Golden Hour treatment for heart attacks (STEMI) |
| Model | Hub-and-Spoke (Spokes: Taluk/District Hospitals; Hubs: Super-specialty centres) |
| Key Free Benefit | Tenecteplase Injection (worth ₹30,000+) |
| Technology | AI-enabled ECG + Tele-cardiology |
| Current Spokes | 86+ (Expanding to all taluk hospitals) |
| ECGs Conducted | 12.26+ Lakh |
| STEMI Cases Identified | 18,804 |
| Lives Saved | Nearly 15,908 – 16,000 |
| Helplines | 108 (Ambulance) / 104 (Health) |
| Eligibility | Anyone with heart attack symptoms at govt. facilities (No prior registration needed |
How the Scheme Works: Hub-and-Spoke Model
At its core, the Hrudaya Jyoti Yojana operates on a hub-and-spoke model designed for efficient triage and care escalation:
- Spoke Centers: These are primary points of contact, typically taluk and district hospitals, community health centers, and select government facilities. Patients with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, jaw or arm pain arrive here (or are brought via 108 ambulances) for immediate ECG testing.
- Hub Centers: Advanced super-specialty hospitals, including the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research and other cardiac care facilities, serve as hubs. ECGs from spokes are digitally transmitted for rapid expert review. Complicated cases are referred for procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting).
AI-enabled tools play a pivotal role by analyzing ECGs within 4-5 minutes, categorizing severity, and alerting doctors to critical cases. This technology has been instrumental in rural settings where specialist access was previously limited.
Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyothi Yojana – Golden Hour Treatment, Safe Life !@CMofKarnataka @DrParameshwara @utkhader @KarnatakaVarthe pic.twitter.com/9IVEXNwc2P
— Karnataka Health Department (@DHFWKA) June 25, 2026
As of mid-2026, around 86 district and taluk hospitals function as spokes, supported by 10 hubs across 16 super-specialty facilities. Expansion efforts aim to cover all taluk hospitals.
Key Benefits and Services
The scheme offers comprehensive, largely free emergency cardiac care:
- Immediate ECG and Screening: Free ECG at spoke centers with digital transmission.
- Golden Hour Treatment: Focus on rapid thrombolysis or other interventions.
- Free Tenecteplase Injection: A costly thrombolytic drug (₹30,000+ in private settings) provided free at spokes for eligible STEMI patients since May 2024. Over 1,500 patients have benefited from this alone.
- Specialist Consultation: Tele-cardiology support ensures expert guidance without initial transfer delays.
- Referral and Advanced Care: Seamless transfer to hubs for angiography, angioplasty, stenting, or surgery.
- Ambulance Integration: 108 services for rapid transport.
- Public Awareness and AEDs: Plans include installing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public places and awareness campaigns.
These benefits are particularly transformative for low-income and rural populations, removing financial barriers during life-threatening emergencies.
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is designed as an emergency service with broad, inclusive access rather than strict bureaucratic eligibility:
- Any individual experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or cardiac emergency can avail services at participating government facilities.
- No separate application or registration is required; treatment begins upon arrival and medical assessment.
- Primarily targeted at Karnataka residents, but emergency care is not denied based on residency in critical situations.
- Focus on suspected STEMI or acute coronary syndromes, as determined by doctors.
- Previous medical records, if available (Aadhaar, prior ECGs, prescriptions), can aid treatment but are not mandatory for initial care.
In essence, medical need assessed at the facility determines eligibility for specific interventions like Tenecteplase. This patient-centric approach ensures speed and accessibility.
Impact and Success Stories (as of 2026)
The numbers demonstrate remarkable success:
- Over 12.26 lakh ECGs conducted.
- 18,804 STEMI cases identified.
- Nearly 15,908 patients (about 84.6%) successfully treated and saved.
- More than 1,560 Tenecteplase injections administered free.
By June 2026, reports indicated the scheme had helped save nearly 16,000 cardiac patients. Earlier interim figures showed thousands benefiting within the first year or two. Rural patients, who previously faced long delays traveling to urban centers, now receive critical care locally or via swift referral.
Health officials credit AI, trained staff, and inter-hospital coordination for these outcomes. The scheme has reduced cardiac mortality and built public confidence in government healthcare.
Expansion Updates in 2026
2025 marked a major push for statewide coverage. In September 2025, the government announced expansion to all taluk hospitals, with implementation underway by 2026. This addresses gaps in underserved areas.
Additional developments include:
- Strengthening satellite centers at facilities like those affiliated with medical colleges.
- Enhanced training for doctors and paramedics.
- Integration with broader NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) screening.
- Potential scaling of public AED installations and community CPR training.
As of early 2026 updates, the program continues to mature, with ongoing data collection for further refinements.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While highly successful, challenges remain: infrastructure strain in high-volume centers, ensuring consistent drug and equipment supply, sustaining AI accuracy, and addressing rising heart disease risk factors like lifestyle changes, stress, and diabetes.
The government is expected to continue investing in preventive aspects, such as widespread health screening (over 11-13 lakh people screened in related efforts) and awareness. Long-term, integrating with schemes like Ayushman Bharat or state insurance could provide seamless post-emergency follow-up.
A Living Tribute
The Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyoti Yojana transcends a mere government program — it is a tribute to a star whose untimely death highlighted a public health crisis. By bringing world-class emergency cardiac care to doorsteps across Karnataka, it embodies the principle that no life should be lost due to delay or unaffordability.
For residents, the message is clear: In case of chest pain or suspected heart issues, call 108 or rush to the nearest spoke hospital. Golden Hour treatment can save lives. As the scheme expands in 2025 and beyond, it promises to significantly lower Karnataka's cardiac mortality rate and serve as a model for other states. In the words of health officials, this is more than healthcare — it's a lifeline strengthening Karnataka's fight against heart disease, one timely intervention at a time.
FAQs: Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyoti Yojana
Q: What is Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyoti Yojana?
It is Karnataka’s flagship cardiac emergency scheme launched in October 2023 to provide free, timely treatment for heart attacks, especially during the critical Golden Hour. The scheme uses AI-powered ECG and a hub-and-spoke model to save lives in rural and urban areas.
Q: Who can avail benefits under this scheme?
Anyone experiencing heart attack symptoms (chest pain, breathlessness, sweating, arm/jaw pain) can avail free services at participating government hospitals. No prior registration, income certificate, or application is required. Treatment begins immediately based on medical assessment.
Q: What are the major benefits of the scheme?
Patients receive free ECG, AI-based rapid diagnosis, specialist tele-consultation, and life-saving Tenecteplase injection (worth ₹30,000+) at no cost. Critical cases are referred to super-specialty hospitals for angioplasty or other procedures.
Q: How does the scheme work?
Patients visit the nearest taluk or district hospital (Spoke). An ECG is done and sent digitally to cardiologists. Treatment starts immediately at the spoke centre; serious cases are shifted to hub hospitals for advanced care.
Q: How many lives has the scheme saved so far?
As of mid-2026, the scheme has conducted over 12.26 lakh ECGs, identified 18,804 STEMI cases, and successfully saved nearly 16,000 patients.
Q: Is the scheme available across Karnataka?
Currently operational in 86+ hospitals. The government is actively expanding it to all taluk hospitals in 2025-26 for full statewide coverage.
Q: What should I do in case of a heart attack emergency?
Immediately call 108 for ambulance or rush to the nearest government taluk/district hospital and inform the doctor about symptoms. Golden Hour treatment under this scheme can save lives.