Bengaluru – Aster DM Healthcare Ltd., one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in India, launched its Centre of Excellence for Epilepsy in Bengaluru, a dedicated advanced care centre designed to offer comprehensive diagnosis, advanced treatment, and long-term management for individuals living with epilepsy. The centre, called ‘Aster Global Institute for Advanced Epilepsy Care’, was formally inaugurated by Jonty Rhodes, acclaimed South African cricketer and a global sporting icon, who himself triumphed over epilepsy earlier in life.
The Centre of Excellence, located at Aster CMI Hospital Bengaluru, will integrate highly trained specialists, cutting-edge neurodiagnostic tools, and evidence-based clinical protocols to ensure faster evaluation and more effective treatment for patients. As of now, four of Aster’s Hospitals – Aster CMI, Aster RV, Aster Ramesh, Guntur and Aster MIMS Calicut are jointly involved in this state-of-the-art centre of excellence.
The initiative aims to address the rising need for focused epilepsy care, particularly for those who do not respond adequately to medications. Globally, nearly 30% of epilepsy patients live with drug-resistant epilepsy, where surgery and advanced interventions can significantly improve outcomes. In India, an estimated 10–12 million people live with epilepsy and up to 90% in rural areas remain untreated due to stigma and lack of access, highlighting the urgent need for dedicated Epilepsy centres that can offer early diagnosis and structured, life-changing treatment pathways.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ramesh Kumar S, Chief Operating Officer – Aster DM Healthcare India, said: “The establishment of Aster Global Institute for Advanced Epilepsy Care marks a significant step forward in our mission to strengthen specialised neurological care across India. At Aster, we are focused on building integrated, patient-centric systems that combine clinical expertise, advanced diagnostics, and innovation. This Centre not only enhances our ability to treat complex epilepsy cases but also reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every patient has access to timely, high-quality care, regardless of where they live.”
Speaking on this, Dr. Ravi Gopal Varma, Director – Aster Global Institute of Neurosciences & Lead Consultant – Neurosurgery, Aster CMI Hospital said: “Epilepsy surgery offers hope to patients who live with the daily uncertainty of seizures. At Aster, we are committed to providing comprehensive evaluation and advanced surgical care so patients can reclaim their lives with confidence and dignity. The launch of this dedicated centre reinforces our mission to make world-class epilepsy treatment accessible to all.”
Aster Hospitals has already established itself as a leading destination for epilepsy care, having performed 266 epilepsy-related surgical procedures, a milestone that showcases the hospital’s expertise in managing complex cases. These surgeries are supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neurophysiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, anaesthetists, and rehabilitation experts.
The Centre of Excellence was inaugurated during EPISURG 2025, the annual international conference on epilepsy surgery organized by the Aster Global Centre for Excellence in Neurosciences, Bengaluru. The theme for the year, “Precision, Personalisation and Progress,” reflected the organisation’s commitment to advancing the science, technology, and multidisciplinary approaches reshaping epilepsy care worldwide. Over the three-day event, participants experienced a rich scientific program featuring distinguished neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, neurophysiologists, researchers, and allied health experts specialising in epilepsy management from India and abroad.
