Aster Whitefield rolls out Karnataka’s first Mobile Epilepsy Van to bridge rural treatment gap
‘Reaching the Unreachable’ initiative to begin in Kolar district under EPIC programme
Bengaluru: In a significant step towards narrowing the epilepsy treatment gap in rural Karnataka, Aster Whitefield Hospital, in partnership with Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor, on Thursday launched the state’s first Mobile Epilepsy Van under its flagship EPIC (Epilepsy Prevention and Integrated Care) programme.
The initiative was inaugurated by Kannada actor-director Ramesh Aravind, while Dr Vasant Kumar, Director of Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka, attended as Guest of Honour. Senior officials from Aster Hospitals and Rotary members were also present.
Taking neurological care to the doorstep
Launched in 2023, the EPIC programme has already screened more than 3,000 individuals across outreach camps and conducted awareness sessions aimed at dispelling myths and stigma associated with epilepsy. The programme has facilitated 62 surgeries for patients with drug-resistant (intractable) epilepsy, using advanced technology and evidence-based protocols to ensure precision, better outcomes and quicker recovery.
Hospital authorities said the initiative has also substantially reduced the financial burden on patients by providing EEG diagnostics and senior clinician consultations closer to home, cutting down costs related to travel, specialist fees and repeated hospital visits.
The newly introduced Mobile Epilepsy Van is equipped with a Video EEG machine that enables on-site neurological assessment. The van will travel to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across districts, beginning with Kolar, where it will help identify and map patients with epilepsy to streamline their treatment plans. Based on learnings from this pilot, the model is expected to be expanded across the state.
Each outreach visit will include a trained EEG technician, and depending on the camp, a neurologist, nurse and supporting medical team. An EEG, which is often expensive at tertiary care centres, will now be made accessible to underprivileged patients through these community camps.
‘Epilepsy is treatable, even curable’
Prof. Dr Satish Rudrappa, Group Director – Aster International Institute of Neurosciences and Spine Care, who conceptualised the EPIC programme, said lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis continue to affect rural populations. “Epilepsy is treatable and in many cases curable. Through the Mobile Epilepsy Van, we are taking specialised neurological screening directly to communities that otherwise have limited access to such services,” he said.
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv, Senior Consultant and Head of Epilepsy Services, noted that untreated intractable epilepsy can severely impact quality of life. “Many patients in rural areas live with seizures for years because of stigma and lack of diagnostic access. Field-based EEG screening creates a clear pathway from early detection to definitive treatment,” he said.
Srikant Subudhi, Chief Operating Officer of Aster Whitefield Hospital, said the hospital’s approach goes beyond clinical intervention. “Healthcare must restore dignity, equity and hope. Through the EPIC programme and the Mobile Video EEG initiative, we aim to ensure that no patient is denied timely neurological care due to geography or financial constraints,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with Rotary’s role in India’s polio eradication drive, Shrirang Tambe, President of Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor, said the club would adopt a similar sustained approach for epilepsy care. “We are committed to identifying, treating and following up with patients under the EPIC programme,” he said.
Under the collaboration, Aster specialists will continue conducting screening camps with Rotary District 3191. Identified patients will be referred to Aster Whitefield Hospital for further evaluation, including free EEG and MRI investigations funded by Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor.
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