Women’s and Children’s Health Research Unit at KLE Society

The Women’s and Children’s Health Research Unit (WCHRU) was established in 2001. It is based at KLE J N Medical College (JNMC), KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi. The unit has been conducting academic clinical trials focused on women and children. It has been funded by National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, USA Global Network initiative since 2001. It is one of the six among the ten sites to be re-funded as a “Global Network Site for Women’s and Children’s Health Research” consecutively for the Fifth Cycle of funding since 2001 through 2030. WCHRU is designated as “WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Maternal and Perinatal Health” since 2019. Further, it was designated as “ICMR Centre for Clinical Trials” in 2021. Additionally, it is recognized as “ICMR- Collaborating Centre of Excellence” in since 2023.

Research Laboratory

A state-of-the-art Research Laboratory equipped with advanced facilities for PCR-based HPV DNA testing and genotyping, Liquid-Based Cytology, Immunoassays, and Molecular Biology has been established at the KLE JN Medical College WCHRU. The facility is built to meet NABL accreditation standards. It will serve as a reference laboratory for North Karnataka, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and research in women’s and children’s health. It facility aims to drive innovation in molecular diagnostics, ensuring high-quality, reliable testing for better healthcare outcomes in the region.

The lab was inaugurated by Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nayak, MD, PhD, FICOG, Professor, Dept. of Gynaecological Oncology, Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack, Odisha; President, Asia Oceania Research Organization in Genital Infection & Neoplasia(AOGIN) India; and Honorary Secretary, Association of Gynaecologic Oncologists of India (AGOI). Dr Ayesha De Costa MD, PhD Scientist, Dept of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization Geneva, Switzerland and Dr Nitin Gangane, Vice Chancellor, KAHER were present.