To address the challenges posed by the high prevalence of brain-related and neuro ailments such as epilepsy and stroke in the country, Aster Whitefield Hospital has inaugurated its International Institute of Neurosciences and Spine Care and launched the Epilepsy Prevention & Integrated Care (EPIC) Program. The event was graced by N R Narayana Murthy, renowned IT visionary, and attended by Dr Zeba Moopen, Non-Executive Director, Aster DM Healthcare, along with leading doctors from the hospital. The EPIC program, supported by Rotary International and Sukriya NGO, aims to alleviate the burden of epilepsy in economically disadvantaged communities.
The establishment of the new Neurosciences Institute enhances Bangalore’s reputation as a leading science and health city. The institute, which provides global standards of care with advanced technologies, boasts a collective neuro expertise of 75 years. It features Mixed Reality Technology, the first of its kind in South Asia, allowing patients and clinicians to visualize anatomy in 3D and aiding in focused treatment planning. A Virtual Experience Room is also available for firsthand experience of this technology.
Additionally, the hospital has introduced the Intraoperative Neuro monitoring – Cascade IOMAX System, the first in Karnataka. This system plays a critical role in brain and spine surgeries, improving patient safety and protecting neural pathways, particularly in epilepsy and spinal deformity surgeries. The hospital also unveiled a Biplane Cath lab for stroke-related emergencies, including aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation (AVM), addressing the lack of dedicated stroke treatment centers in Bangalore.
N R Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys, remarked, “The EPIC initiative is a shining example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors can bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility. Epilepsy is a debilitating condition, and programs like EPIC ensure that even the underprivileged have access to the best possible care. I am honored to be a part of this noble effort and am glad to know that Intractable Epilepsy if diagnosed can be surgically treated with precision at Aster Whitefield Hospital.”
Dr Zeba Moopen, Non-Executive Director, Aster DM Healthcare, stated, “Being an integrated healthcare organization, Aster has always prioritized staying at the forefront of technology to deliver the highest quality care to our patients. The launch of our Advanced Neuro Institute is a reflection of this commitment. We are confident that the integration of cutting-edge neuro care technology will be transformative, setting new standards in patient treatment and outcomes.” She added, “The Hospital’s EPIC Program is also testament to our mission of providing quality care in epilepsy. By removing financial barriers, we are giving patients a chance at a better life—free from the burden of epilepsy.”
Prof Dr Satish Rudrappa, Group Director, Aster International Institute of Neurosciences and Spine Care, Bengaluru, noted, “Epilepsy is a condition that disproportionately affects patients from low-income groups. If not diagnosed early, it can lead to a significant social, educational, and economic burden on both the patient and their family. When epilepsy becomes chronic and intractable, medications often fail to provide relief. However, a substantial number of these patients can experience improvement through surgical intervention. Unfortunately, epilepsy still remains stigmatized in society and to address this issue and increase public awareness, the free EPIC program has been initiated for people living below the poverty line.”
Prof Dr Swaroop Gopal, Group Director, Aster International Institute of Neurosciences and Spine Care, Bengaluru, added, “The EPIC Program is only the beginning. With the establishment of the Neurosciences and Spine Care Institute, we are positioning ourselves to be a leader in neurosurgical care. This initiative will ensure that epilepsy patients too receive comprehensive treatment, while our cutting-edge facility will set a new standard for neurosurgical care in the region.”
Rtn. Satish Madhavan, District Governor, 2024-2025, District 3191, said, “Rotary has always stood for service to humanity, and the EPIC Program aligns perfectly with our mission. By partnering with Aster Whitefield and Sukriya, we are bringing together resources and expertise to transform the lives of epilepsy patients, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.”
The launch of the EPIC Program and the new institute represents a significant advancement in accessible neuro-healthcare in India. These initiatives are set to bridge healthcare gaps and offer innovative solutions to underserved populations.