Medical care in Nepal is limited and often does not meet the international standards due to insufficient skills and resources. Emergency medical services, especially in public hospitals is basic and often does not provide a satisfactory service.
The doctor to population ratio for Nepal is 1:1724. However, in rural parts the numbers are astounding, one doctor for every 150,000 people. And thus, a large segment of the population, predominantly those living in extreme poverty are at risk of infection and death by transmittable diseases, malnutrition and other health-related problems. Consequently, decent medical care is a big concern in many rural as well as semi-urban areas in Nepal.
Providing access to healthcare and sanitation in order to keep the population thriving, is crucial. At VIN we aim to create awareness in local communities by teaching and educating rural communities as well as facilitating first-hand medical care. Nepal faces many challenges when it comes to public health. In the rural communities the government offers very few facilities to support the health of its people. With illiteracy and poverty levels being high, many people do not have the means to change their health, sanitation and hygiene practices and remain unaware of the major health risks and how to minimize them.
The health centers in communities are deprived of facilities, medical staff and a shortage of medicines and medical equipment. The centers are led by paramedics and the service provided is often ineffective. Our goal is to improve the quality of services provided by the health centers.
VIN has been managing medical care volunteer / internship placements to bridge the gap between medical care service and the people in need. The medical care volunteers / interns will be able to use their academic knowledge and work expertise to serve the vulnerable people in marginalized rural communities.
During your medical care volunteer placement, you will be based in one of our working areas namely Tarakeshor Municipality of Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap and Bhadaure of Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa, Kaule of Nuwakot district. You will be living with a Nepali host-family, allowing you an insight into Nepali culture and assisting you to get immersed in day to day Kathmandu life. The medical care volunteer / intern will spend one day in a week in a nearby health clinic assisting doctor or supporting paramedics in recording vitals (temperature, respiratory rate, blood pressure, weight, pulse, blood oxygen saturation, and physical examination), dressing minor wounds, keeping records of the patients and keeping sterile conditions within the clinic. The other four days, the volunteer / intern will be involved the rural community and schools depending on the experience and background.
The Medical Care Volunteer will do one or more of the following activities:
- Planning and designing programs on issues related to health and hygiene
- Ensure overall well-being of patients while in health clinic placement.
- Facilitate awareness sessions on the importance of sanitation, health & hygiene.
- Facilitate workshops on healthy living, such as foods, diet and nutrition
- Conduct WASH (water sanitation and hygiene) campaigns at schools.
- Take the role of an educator and facilitate health care services in communities.
- Create awareness among the public regarding maternal and pre-natal health
- Orient and train health staffs at clinic
Project Specific Skills
- Education background and experience in medical care
- Proficient in safe patient care techniques
- CPR and First Aid training could be an added asset
- Familiar with relevant medical & pharmaceutical vocabulary
Desirable/ Common Skills
- Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
- A team player with good workethics
- Time management and leadership qualities
- Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
- Accepting of different ideas and culture
- Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
- Creative
- Positive attitude
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
Schedule and Commitment
You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.
Your typical day might look like this:
| 07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
| 08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
| 09:00-10:00 | Preparation for sessions |
| 10:00-13:00 | Deliver training sessions/Workshops |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Deliver sessions/Awareness to community people |
| 17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.
In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.
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