The Karnataka government has published draft rules to pay hospitals that give immediate first aid during the golden hour to patients who cannot afford it. These draft Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation During Emergency Situations) Rules, 2026, were notified on Friday. They aim to put into action the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional Act, 2018. This Act makes it mandatory for all hospitals, both public and private, to provide first aid and stabilize patients in emergencies. The government has asked for public feedback within 15 days. The Act protects Good Samaritans by shielding them from civil and criminal charges and police harassment. It ensures their anonymity and stops hospitals from forcing them to be witnesses. It also requires hospitals to provide emergency care free and immediately. Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, told The Hindu that the draft rules clear up confusion about payments and keep protections for Good Samaritans strong. He explained that emergency care is broadly defined—not just road accidents but also heart attacks, strokes, burns, poisoning, obstetric emergencies, and more. "The rules now mandate that patients must be stabilized without delay," he said. The government wants no hospital to hesitate in giving emergency care due to payment worries. The draft rules create a clear, time-bound path to get reimbursed. Gupta said, "Ours is probably the first State to notify such rules." According to the draft, if the patient or family can’t pay, hospitals can submit claims within one month to the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST), the state health assurance agency. Empanelled hospitals will be paid as per Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) scheme package rates. For non-empanelled hospitals, SAST can approve expenses at AB-ArK or PMJAY health benefit package rates--whichever is higher. This keeps the payment process fair and transparent. The draft also sets up an appeal system. Disputes on eligibility or payment can go to the Health Commissioner, whose decision is final. It plans a Good Samaritan Fund to pay hospital claims and compensate helpers for travel or lost wages. This fund can get money from government budgets, donations, corporate social responsibility funds, and the Karnataka Road Safety Authority. "We also want to recognise citizens who step forward to help. Saving a life should never become a legal or financial burden," Mr. Gupta added.