SCHIEFFELIN INSTITUTE OF HEALTH - RESEARCH LEPROSY CENTRE (Inst. Code - 442), KARIGIRI

What SCHIEFFELIN INSTITUTE OF HEALTH - RESEARCH LEPROSY CENTRE (Inst. Code - 442), KARIGIRI does

Schieffelin Institute of Health - Research Leprosy Centre (SIHRLC) is a 70-year-old charitable religious and educational trust headquartered in Karigiri near Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, operating as a tertiary leprosy care and research institution integrated with multi-specialty secondary healthcare. Established in 1955 by Dr. Robert Cochrane and currently led by Director Jerry Joshua, SIHRLC runs three sites: the main Karigiri campus (650 outpatient treatments per day, 130 inpatients), the SIHRLC Gudiyatham branch established in 1982 (~100 patients/day, with evening clinics from November 2024), and the Paul Brand Integrated Health Centre (PBIHC) at Katpadi established in 2005 with extended-hours outpatient services. The institution holds NABH and NABL accreditation and is recognized by India's National Leprosy Eradication Program for six decades of contribution to leprosy elimination.

The core service portfolio spans the full leprosy care pathway (diagnosis, Multi Drug Therapy, reconstructive surgery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, MCR footwear, and orthotics) plus multi-specialty secondary care including dermatology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, paediatrics, dental, ENT, general medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, and radiology. Rehabilitation technology is a notable capability, including in-house Microcellular Rubber (MCR) chappals, CAD/CAM insoles, 3D-printed splints, a Tactile Sensory Feedback System, an ICMR-funded hand exoskeleton, a Universal Cloud-Based Platform for Disability Monitoring, and a 24-hour M-Health toll-free helpline. Research output runs through six structured programs (Digital Innovations in Leprosy Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation, Social Sciences and Mental Health, Surgical, Laboratory-Based, and Clinical), supported by the Schieffelin Center of Healthcare Innovation and Incubation (SHII), with 70 years of continuous publications and grant funding from WHO, ICMR, American Leprosy Missions, Leprosy Research Initiative, CBM, and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson. SIHRLC also operates the College of Health Sciences (allied-health degrees approved by Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University and the Rehabilitation Council of India) and a School of Nursing.

The revenue model is a diversified nonprofit mix: subsidized clinical services at multi-specialty rates (with specific reconstructive surgery donation tiers listed at Rs. 30,000-50,000 per procedure), tuition from allied-health and nursing programs, government and international research grants, donations via dedicated FCRA accounts, and external diagnostic laboratory services that do not require consultation at SIHRLC. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, anchored by Prevention of Impairment and Disability (POID) camps in coordination with District Leprosy Offices, referral partnerships with Christian Medical College Vellore, training programs that expand the referring health-worker network, and outreach at international leprosy congresses (Manila 2019, Hyderabad 2022, Bali 2025). Reconstructive surgery volumes are deliberately spread across many individual patients, and funding diversification across government, multilateral, NGO, and pharmaceutical sources limits single-donor dependency, though no audited revenue figures are publicly disclosed.

Name

SCHIEFFELIN INSTITUTE OF HEALTH - RESEARCH LEPROSY CENTRE (Inst. Code - 442), KARIGIRI

Legal name

Schieffelin Institute of Health – Research and Leprosy Centre

Website

https://leprosyhealth.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Schieffelin Institute of Health - Research Leprosy Centre (SIHRLC) is a 1955-founded charitable trust in Tamil Nadu, India, delivering tertiary leprosy care, multi-specialty secondary healthcare, rehabilitation, allied-health and nursing education, and applied research through three branches serving roughly 650 outpatients daily.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Leprosy Healthcare and Research

NAICS

Health Care and Social Assistance (62), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)

akta.pro primary industry

Disease-Specific Global Initiatives (HIV/TB/Malaria/NTDs) (HLAJAOAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Compression Therapy & Lymphedema DME (Garments, Pneumatic Pumps) (HLAHAMAH)

Keywords

• Leprosy healthcare services
• Rehabilitation services
• Medical research
• Health sciences education
• Community health programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Karigiri (via Katpadi)

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Clinical Healthcare Services Revenue: SIHRLC generates revenue through the provision of secondary care clinical services including dermatology, orthopaedics, surgery, paediatrics, dental, ENT, medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology, and radiology. Services are provided at subsidized rates for marginalized populations affected by leprosy and other health conditions.
2. Healthcare Training and Education Programs: The institution operates the College of Health Sciences and School of Nursing, offering diploma and degree programs. Programs include Diploma in General Nursing & Midwifery, B.Sc in Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiography, Optometry, Physician Assistant, Medical Sociology, Prosthetics and Orthotics, and various diploma programs. Revenue is generated through student tuition and fees.
3. Government and International Research Grants: SIHRLC receives funding from government agencies (ICMR, Tamil Nadu Government), international leprosy organizations (WHO, American Leprosy Missions, Leprosy Research Initiative), and NGOs (CBM). Funded projects cover leprosy research, rehabilitation technology development, and community health programs.
4. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The institution accepts donations for specific purposes including reconstructive surgery, prevention of disability, and general institutional support. Donors can contribute via NEFT/RTGS to dedicated bank accounts at State Bank of India, including separate accounts for international/Fcra donations.
5. Diagnostic and Laboratory Services: Laboratory testing services including clinical pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, and specialized tests are provided to both institution patients and external patients who seek testing without consulting SIHRLC doctors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SIHRLC is a non-profit leprosy-specialty healthcare, research and education institution that delivers tertiary leprosy diagnosis and Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), multi-specialty secondary clinical services, physiotherapy/occupational therapy and reconstructive surgery, in-house manufactured Microcellular Rubber (MCR) footwear and custom orthotics, and laboratory diagnostics including molecular biology. It operates a College of Health Sciences and School of Nursing for allied-health and nursing training, runs POID community camps, and conducts leprosy and rehabilitation research funded by ICMR, WHO, American Leprosy Missions, and the Leprosy Research Initiative.

Product overview

SIHRLC Karigiri is a leprosy research and tertiary healthcare institution established in 1955, operating as a single integrated organization with multiple branches. The institution offers a comprehensive portfolio of services centered on leprosy treatment, rehabilitation, and research, supplemented by multi-specialty clinical services across Dermatology, Orthopaedics, Surgery, Pediatrics, and other specialties. The core offerings include leprosy healthcare services, clinical diagnostic services, laboratory services with molecular biology capabilities, rehabilitation programs (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy), and specialized MCR footwear/orthotic products manufactured in-house. Educational programs are delivered through the College of Health Sciences (allied health training) and School of Nursing. The institution also maintains an Innovation and Incubation Centre for digital health and AI research. SIHRLC operates from its main Karigiri campus with two additional branches in Gudiyatham and Katpadi.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Paul Brand Integrated Health Centre (PBIHC): Branch outpatient clinic at Katpadi offering extended hours healthcare services including general medicine, dermatology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, dental, and upcoming ENT services
• SIHRLC Gudiyatham
• Schieffelin Center of Healthcare Innovation and Incubation (SHII)
• College of Health Sciences
• School of Nursing

Products and services

• Leprosy Diagnosis, Treatment and MDT Services Tertiary leprosy diagnosis, Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) administration and lifelong case management for leprosy-affected individuals across India and South-East Asia, integrated into general health services since 1997.
• Multi-Specialty Clinical Services Secondary-care outpatient and inpatient services in Dermatology, Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Paediatrics, Dental, ENT, General Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Radiology and Clinical Psychology — serving approximately 650 patients per day at Karigiri and 100/day at the Gudiyatham branch.
• Laboratory and Molecular Biology Diagnostic Services Clinical Pathology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and specialized molecular-biology tests (including PCR-based Mycobacterium leprae detection). Available both to SIHRLC patients and external patients referred by outside physicians.
• Rehabilitation Services (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Reconstructive Surgery) Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, reconstructive surgery (e.g., foot drop correction, clawed toe correction, sole reconstruction, eye-lid deformity correction, hand deformity and wrist drop correction) and Prevention of Impairment and Disability (POID) programs for leprosy-affected patients.
• MCR Footwear and Custom Orthotic Devices Custom protective Microcellular Rubber (MCR) chappals, CAD-CAM insoles, 3D-printed splints and prescription footwear manufactured in the on-campus rubber mill to prevent plantar ulcers and amputations in leprosy-affected patients.
• College of Health Sciences — Allied Health Training Programs Diploma and undergraduate degree programs in Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiography, Optometry, Medical Sociology, Physician Assistant, Prosthetics & Orthotics (25 seats/year, RCI-approved), and related disciplines — for students seeking accredited allied-health qualifications.
• School of Nursing — Diploma in General Nursing & Midwifery (DGNM) Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM) with 20 seats per year, affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Nurses and Midwives Council and accredited by CMAI — for aspiring nursing students.
• Community Development and POID Outreach Programs Community-based Prevention of Impairment and Disability (POID) camps, skin camps and disability-inclusion programs run in coordination with District Leprosy Offices across Tamil Nadu — targeting early detection and prevention of disability.
• Leprosy and Rehabilitation Research Programs Multi-disciplinary research programs in Digital Innovations in Leprosy Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation, Social Sciences & Mental Health, Surgical, Laboratory-Based and Clinical research — including funded projects since 1968 and continuous publication since 1955.

Quantifiable outcome

• 650 treatments per day and 130 inpatients at the main campus, with approximately 100 patients per day served at the Gudiyatham branch
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• VIT UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVIT University has an MoU with SIHRLC for academic collaboration. Staff members have received PhD degrees from VIT University, indicating ongoing research collaboration.
• Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKMCH has an MoU with SIHRLC for healthcare collaboration, likely in the area of specialized medical services and referrals.
• AuxiliumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuxilium has an MoU with SIHRLC. Nature of collaboration involves healthcare services or training.
• CBM India TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBM India Trust has MoUs with SIHRLC for disability-inclusive development programs. SIHRLC has received funding from CBM for projects including hearing aids. CBM is an international Christian development organization focused on disability-inclusive development.
• Thiruvalluvar UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThiruvalluvar University has an MoU with SIHRLC for academic collaboration.
• Tamil Nadu GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 1968, SIHRLC has been requested by Tamil Nadu State Government to implement the National Leprosy Control Program in Gudiyatham Taluk. The institution works in collaboration with State and Central Governments for leprosy control programs and training. Since 1997, leprosy services have been integrated into general health services.
• World Health Organization (WHO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIHRLC works in collaboration with WHO for leprosy control programmes. WHO collaborated on Multidrug Therapy (MDT) trials. SIHRLC published technical guidance on assistive technology devices for persons affected by leprosy as a WHO publication.
• Christian Medical College (CMC), VellorecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIHRLC students practice and gain clinical experience at CMC Vellore. Some diagnostic tests are done in collaboration with CMC. This is a key referral and training partner.
• Government Vellore Medical CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIHRLC nursing students gain clinical experience at Government Vellore Medical College alongside CMC Vellore as affiliated hospitals for practical training.
• Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe College of Health Sciences undergraduate programs are approved by and affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai since 2011.
• Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerB.Sc. Degree Course in Prosthetics and Orthotics is approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India, New Delhi since 2013-2014, with intake of 25 students per year.
• Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe College of Health Sciences and School of Nursing are accredited with CMAI, New Delhi. School of Nursing examination results are monitored by CMAI Board of Nursing Education.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• LEPRA Society: Hyderabad-based NGO working on leprosy, tuberculosis, and other NTDs with community health programs and referral hospitals across India. Overlaps with SIHRLC in leprosy case detection, disability prevention, and rehabilitation services, with broader geographic reach and additional disease verticals.
• Damien Foundation India Trust: Chennai-based NGO operating leprosy control projects, referral centers, and research activities across Tamil Nadu and other states. Shares SIHRLC's Tamil Nadu geography, leprosy-focused tertiary care model, and partnerships with state government and WHO.
• National JALMA Institute of Leprosy & Other Mycobacterial Diseases (NJILOMD): ICMR-affiliated national reference laboratory in Agra focused on leprosy and mycobacterial disease research, diagnostics, and training. Highly comparable to SIHRLC's molecular biology division and PCR-based Mycobacterium leprae detection capabilities, and serves as a national-level reference counterpart to SIHRLC's applied research.
• Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore: Premier multi-specialty teaching hospital in Vellore with which SIHRLC has an active training and referral partnership. Comparable in tertiary clinical depth, research output, and educational programs; CMC is significantly larger and broader in scope, serving as both a referral destination and a clinical training site for SIHRLC students.
• The Leprosy Mission Trust India: The largest leprosy-focused NGO in India, running tertiary hospitals, community programs, and reconstructive surgery across multiple states. Directly comparable to SIHRLC in mission (leprosy treatment, rehabilitation, community empowerment) and patient base, with a national footprint rather than a single-district concentration.
• Bombay Leprosy Project: Mumbai-based research and rehabilitation organization focused on leprosy, with active lab-based research, reconstructive surgery, and community programs. Comparable to SIHRLC in combining clinical care with laboratory research and publication output in international leprosy journals.
• ALERT-India (Association for Leprosy Education, Rehabilitation and Treatment): Mumbai-headquartered organization focused on leprosy elimination, disability prevention, and rehabilitation. Directly comparable to SIHRLC's POID camps, reconstructive surgery training, and tertiary leprosy care, with a national program footprint.

Regional players

• Stanley Medical College and Hospital: Government medical college in Chennai with a long-standing Department of Leprology that conducts leprosy research, training, and patient care. Overlaps with SIHRLC's leprosy clinical and academic mission within Tamil Nadu but operates under a government mandate rather than a charitable trust structure.

Others

• Novartis Foundation (Leprosy Programs): Global health foundation that funds leprosy and NTD elimination programs, including MDT supply and digital health innovations. Comparable as a funder and ecosystem partner in the leprosy/NTD space rather than a direct operator; relevant for understanding the funding landscape SIHRLC operates in.
• World Health Organization (WHO) - Global Leprosy Programme: UN agency that sets global leprosy policy, runs MDT programs, and partners with institutions like SIHRLC for clinical trials, surveillance, and training. Not a direct competitor but the key policy and funding ecosystem actor in SIHRLC's space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses2 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/schieffelin-institute-of-health---research-leprosy-centre-inst.-code---442-karigiri

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about SCHIEFFELIN INSTITUTE OF HEALTH - RESEARCH LEPROSY CENTRE (Inst. Code - 442), KARIGIRI