Bengaluru, 16th September 2024: To address serious challenges posed by the significant prevalence of brain-related and neuro ailments in the country, primarily epilepsy and stroke, Aster Whitefield Hospital opened its cutting-edge International Institute of Neurosciences and Spine Care and launched the Epilepsy Prevention & Integrated Care (EPIC) Program in the presence of the country’s renowned Information Technology visionary N R Narayana Murthy and joined by Dr. Zeba Moopen, Non-Executive Director, Aster DM Healthcare along with leading doctors from the hospital. The EPIC program is supported by Rotary International and Sukriya an NGO, both of whom are working to reduce the burden of epilepsy in economically disadvantaged communities.

The establishment of the cutting-edge Neurosciences Institute bolsters Bangalore’s status as the leading science and health city in the country. The Aster Institute, which offers global standards of care with state-of-the-art technologies, has a collective neuro expertise and experience of 75 years. The Mixed Reality Technology at the Institute, the first of its kind in South Asia, helps patients and clinicians visualize the anatomy in 3D and aids focused treatment planning and positive outcomes. The unit also has a Virtual Experience Room that offers first-hand feel of the virtual reality technology offered by the Mixed Reality Technology.

The Hospital also announced the establishment of the Intraoperative Neuro monitoring – Cascade IOMAX System, a first in Karnataka, that plays a crucial role in Brain and spine surgeries by significantly enhancing patient safety, safeguarding critical neural pathways, especially in epilepsy and spinal deformity surgeries. The Hospital also unveiled the Biplane Cath lab at the Institute for treatment of stroke-related emergencies including Aneurysm and Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). This centre will try to fill the void that Bangalore has been facing – of very few dedicated centers to treat stroke.

Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys, inaugurating the program, said, “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 said, “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.”

“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,” Dr. Zeba added.

Prof. Dr. Satish Rudrappa, Group Director, Aster International Institute of Neurosciences and Spine Care, Bengaluru said, “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 said, “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 EPIC Program and the new institute marks a critical advancement in accessible neuro-healthcare in India. With a commitment to the latest treatments and patient-centric care, these initiatives bridge the healthcare gap and provide innovative solutions to underserved populations.