Karnataka Government Proposes Comprehensive Rules to Protect Good Samaritans and Medical Professionals
The Karnataka government has taken a significant step toward encouraging citizen participation in emergency situations by releasing draft rules under the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation During Emergency Situations) Act, 2018. These proposed regulations aim to operationalize the existing law and provide concrete protections for those who voluntarily assist during crises.
Defining the Good Samaritan and Emergency Situations
Under the proposed framework, a good samaritan is clearly defined as an individual who acts in good faith, without expectation of reward or payment, and without any pre-existing duty of care or special relationship. This person voluntarily provides emergency care or assistance to stabilize an injured individual, whether the victim is involved in an accident, crash, criminal incident, or any other urgent situation.
Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary of the Health Department, emphasized that "an emergency situation is broadly defined as one where the absence of medical care could result in loss of life or permanent incapacitation." In such cases, all public and private hospitals are mandated to provide first aid and basic stabilization treatment without delay.
Key Provisions of the Draft Rules
The draft rules, officially titled the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation During Emergency Situations) Rules, 2026, include several important measures:
- Creation of a Good Samaritan Fund: A dedicated fund will be established to support individuals who assist in emergencies.
- Reimbursement for Expenses: If a good samaritan incurs travel expenses or wage loss exceeding Rs 100 to attend court or assist in legal proceedings, the court may order reimbursement from this fund.
- Guaranteed Hospital Reimbursements: To address concerns of private hospitals, the government will bear treatment costs if they cannot be recovered from the patient.
- Annual Good Samaritan Award: An award will be instituted and conferred annually on January 26 to recognize exemplary acts of assistance.
Financial Mechanisms for Hospital Reimbursement
The draft rules specify that expenses for emergency treatment will be covered through the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST). Empanelled hospitals will receive full reimbursement under the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (ABArK) scheme, while non-empanelled hospitals may be reimbursed at ABArK or PMJAY Health Benefit Package rates, whichever is higher.
This financial safeguard is designed to ensure that hospitals do not hesitate to provide necessary care due to cost concerns, thereby guaranteeing the right to treatment for every citizen of the state during emergencies.
Public Feedback and Implementation
The draft rules have been released for public feedback, inviting input from citizens, medical professionals, and stakeholders. This participatory approach aims to refine the regulations before final implementation.
Harsh Gupta stated, "All these rules were proposed with the aim of guaranteeing the right to treatment for every citizen of the state in an emergency." The initiative reflects the government's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for both good samaritans and healthcare providers.
By establishing clear protections and financial support mechanisms, Karnataka seeks to build a more responsive and compassionate emergency care system, encouraging more citizens to step forward without fear of legal or financial repercussions.
