The Medical Program
Restrictions due to the pandemic mean that this program cannot get the support it needs right now. Sign up for 2022 and we'll work with you every step of the way and provide complete flexibility with dates!
The mission of this essential program is to assist in the provision of medical care to those in need in Nepal. Facing a multitude of health issues, the people of Nepal are suffering. Volunteer placements on this program are based in a busy city hospital in Pokhara and may also offer the option of attending free Health Camp outreaches in impoverished villages in the region.
Volunteers are paired with resident Nepalese doctors and nurses to observe and shadow. Among the most impoverished groups within Nepal’s population, there is a continual need to mobilize health workers. This program makes a real difference to the people of Nepal by assisting with the provision of medical assistance to help those who need it most.
Goals of this Project:
- Assist in the provision of essential medical care to the most vulnerable people of Nepal
- Improve the health and wellbeing of some of the poorest people in the world
- Share knowledge and experience across cultures.
How You Can Help
Volunteers play a role in providing medical care to the impoverished people of Nepal. Love Volunteers' partner places medical volunteers in a busy city hospital in Pokhara. The facilities and equipment are often very basic and offer an insight into medical procedures and practices in a developing nation. Volunteers are paired with local professionals to facilitate a sharing of knowledge and experience.
The hospital specialises in Primary Health Care, Pediatrics, Outpatient Surgery and Rehabilitation, Gynaecology, Cardiac Health, Laryngology, Ophthalmology and Dentistry.
The hospital also operates free Health Camps in poverty stricken villages in the surrounding area. Volunteers may have the opportunity to attend and assist as required; an eye-opening and humbling experience.
Aiding people with their wellbeing is one of the most rewarding things anyone can do. Volunteers will find this placement to be a rewarding experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see behind the scenes in a medical environment abroad. Participants on this program will gain a great deal themselves in terms of knowledge and life skills and will undoubtedly gain a greater appreciation for life.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Observe procedures and daily practices within the hospital
- Attend and assist on a free Health Camp (dependent on timing).
- Network with local residents and project staff
- Assist with medical care as appropriate to the volunteer’s skills and training
Requirements
This program offers an amazing opportunity for suitable applicants who are 18 years and over to work alongside qualified medical professionals and gain first-hand insight into the Nepalese healthcare system. It is open to those with experience and/or education in the field of medicine, as well as med-school and pre-med students. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with patients and staff, though this is not a pre-requisite. Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Medical Qualification
- Passport
- Resume
Project Location
Volunteers on this program have the enviable opportunity to stay in Pokhara; one Nepal's most popular tourist destinations.
Well known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural scenery Pokhara is also an epicentre for adventure travel. While trekking remains the biggest drawcard for the region it is also gaining fame for paragliding and white water rafting activities.
With a mild year round climate and so many excuses to get out and enjoy the countryside it's understandable why so many international travelers are drawn to this location and we are certain our volunteers will love it too.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SATURDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Time permitting you will receive an orientation to help you settle in and provide an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
The following morning our local representative will collect you from the accommodation and assist you onto the bus to Pokhara. The bus journey takes roughly 7 hours and includes stops for both breakfast and lunch. Previous volunteers have described the bus trip as quite an adventure!
The Pokhara coordinator will meet you when you arrive and take you to the project site where you will meet with your hosts. An overview of the program and the local area will be given and you will have the opportunity to ask any last minute questions.
- Program Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (Code: KTM)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program have the unique opportunity to stay with a local Nepalese family. Host families are experienced at caring for volunteers and are welcoming and supportive. Their homes may be basic by international standards and the levels of English may vary but this is more than made up for by generosity of spirit.
Volunteers spend the first night in a hostel in Kathmandu before catching an early morning bus to Pokhara the following day.
Living conditions in Nepal are far from luxurious and will vary between homes.The accommodation will have running water but hot water is uncommon as are heating and air-conditioning. Electricity will be available but is unreliable and may be turned off for a period each day.
When volunteering during Nepal’s winter months (particularly December, January and February) warm clothes and a heavy sleeping bag are recommended.
WiFi may be available in the Host Family Home for a small fee but we recommend that volunteers purchase a local SIM card and data package on arrival in order to stay in touch with friends and family.
Three simple and delicious meals per day are provided throughout the placement and are normally vegetarian with staples such as rice, lentils (dal) and vegetarian curries.
Fees
That’s just USD 47 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.