Aster Whitefield Hospital inaugurates advanced Neuroscience Institute and EPIC Program

New Delhi: Aster Whitefield Hospital inaugurated the International Institute of Neurosciences and Spine Care to address the growing prevalence of neurological disorders in Bangalore.

The hospital also launched the Epilepsy Prevention & Integrated Care (EPIC) Program, aimed at providing surgical treatments to underprivileged patients suffering from intractable seizures. The EPIC Program, backed by Rotary International and the NGO Sukriya, is set to offer free treatment every month to economically disadvantaged epilepsy patients. 

The event saw the participation of renowned IT visionary N.R. Narayana Murthy, who joined Dr. Zeba Moopen, Non-Executive Director of Aster DM Healthcare, alongside leading medical professionals to unveil these pioneering initiatives. 

The new Neurosciences Institute at Aster Whitefield brings world-class standards of care to Bangalore, combining 75 years of collective expertise in neurology. Among its key innovations is Mixed Reality Technology, the first of its kind in South Asia. This technology combines virtual and augmented reality to provide 3D anatomical visualizations, enhancing the precision of treatment planning and improving patient outcomes. A Virtual Experience Room has also been set up, allowing patients and doctors to experience this cutting-edge technology first-hand.

Another highlight of the institute is the introduction of the Intraoperative Neuro Monitoring (IONM) – Cascade IOMAX System, a first for Karnataka. This technology significantly enhances patient safety during complex brain and spine surgeries, particularly those related to epilepsy and spinal deformities, by safeguarding critical neural pathways.

Additionally, the hospital launched the Hybrid Biplane Cathlab, a first in South Asia, to provide advanced treatment for stroke-related emergencies such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVM). This cutting-edge facility addresses a significant gap in stroke care in Bangalore.

Inaugurating the EPIC Program, N.R. Narayana Murthy expressed, “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.”

Dr. Zeba Moopen emphasized, “The launch of our Advanced Neuro Institute is a reflection of this commitment. We are confident that the integration of cutting-edge neurocare 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,” she added.

Dr. Satish Rudrappa, Group Director of Aster’s International Institute of Neurosciences commented, “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.”

He added, “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.”

Dr. Swaroop Gopal, Group Director of the Institute, highlighted, “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.”

Rotary International also expressed its support, with District Governor Satish Madhavan stating, “The EPIC Program aligns perfectly with Rotary’s mission of serving humanity. 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.”