Bengaluru, February 27, 2026: Aster Whitefield Hospital, in association with Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor, has launched Karnataka’s first Mobile Epilepsy Van under its EPIC (Epilepsy Prevention and Integrated Care) programme to improve access to epilepsy screening and treatment in rural and underserved communities.
The initiative aims to address gaps in early diagnosis and specialised neurological care. The launch was attended by actor and director Ramesh Aravind and Dr. Vasant Kumar, Director, Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka, along with hospital and Rotary representatives.
Since its introduction in 2023, the EPIC programme has screened over 3,000 individuals, conducted awareness sessions to reduce stigma, and facilitated 62 surgeries for patients with intractable epilepsy. The programme has also provided access to advanced epilepsy surgeries using evidence-based protocols and supported rural patients with diagnostics and specialist consultations.
The Mobile Epilepsy Van is equipped with a Video EEG machine for on-site screening and will visit Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across districts. The unit is staffed by a trained EEG technician and supported by neurologists, nurses and medical teams during outreach camps. The programme will initially be rolled out in Kolar district, with plans to expand to other parts of the state.
Prof. Dr. Satish Rudrappa, Group Director – Aster International Institute of Neurosciences and Spine Care, Aster Whitefield Hospital, said: “Epilepsy is treatable and, in many cases, curable. However, lack of awareness, stigma attached to it, and delayed diagnosis continue to affect rural populations. Through the Mobile Epilepsy Van, we are taking specialised neurological screening and evaluation directly to communities that need it the most.”
Dr. Keni Ravish Rajiv, Senior Consultant – Neurology and Head of Epilepsy Services, Aster Whitefield Hospital, added: “Intractable epilepsy can be life-altering if left untreated. Many patients in rural areas live with seizures for years due to stigma and lack of access to diagnostics. By enabling field-based EEG screening and specialist evaluation, we are creating a clear pathway from screening to definitive treatment.”
Mr. Srikant Subudhi, Chief Operating Officer, Aster Whitefield Hospital, said: “At Aster Whitefield Hospital, we believe healthcare must restore dignity, equity, and hope. Through the EPIC Program and the Mobile Video EEG initiative, we are ensuring that advanced epilepsy care reaches underserved communities. Our commitment is clear — no patient should be denied timely, evidence-based neurological treatment due to geography or financial limitations.”
Mr. Shrirang Tambe, President, Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor, said, “How Rotary has helped in eradicating Polio in India ,similar approach will be taken to identify, treat and follow the patients of Epilepsy through this EPIC program with full commitment from RBITC”.
Under the EPIC programme, screening camps are conducted in collaboration with Rotary 3191. Identified patients are referred to Aster Whitefield Hospital for further evaluation, including free EEG and MRI tests funded by Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor.
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