Volunteers joining the medical and healthcare program in South Africa work in healthcare clinics and centres located in Cape Town as well as suburban community areas. Day hospitals and health care centres provide medical care to the local community members.
These are facilities for the poorer people or people who in general can't afford private medical care. The services provided are of a minor nature and they cater for out-patients. No major operations are performed here. Various awareness and support programs are also offered at the clinics. Some of these include HIV / AIDS awareness, special childcare and healthy living (nutrition) as day-to-day medical care.
Counseling services are also offered at these centers. The medical staff includes nurses, doctors, social workers, and counselors, etc. This is an amazing opportunity for medical students practitioners looking for international work experience.
Volunteers can also concentrate on other areas within the clinic; such as special awareness and information programs. Counseling sessions and programs are also offered and medical volunteers can observe and get some exposure in this area. This is a very challenging environment but would offer an opportunity to assist in various areas within the clinic.
It is important that medical volunteers first get acquainted with the environment and assist wherever help is required. Also, keep in mind that some of these centers are understaffed and might seem chaotic at times. Busy times will vary and you should be willing to adapt in these instances. Volunteers are also expected and encouraged to use their initiative at the project.
1. Get to work and intern in healthcare centres and clinics for out-patients in Cape Town and surrounding suburban towns
2. Assist staff in day-to-day work under professional guidance
3. Work closely with social workers, and counsellors
4. Work with medical/Pre-medical students/professionals from across the globe
5. Hands-on work includes wound dressing, Blood pressure, pulse, and temperature measurements, weighing patients and maintaining records
6. Provide help in understaffed health clinic through expertise and skill-set
7. Explore Cape Town on weekends. Visit Table Mountain, Robben Island, Lion’s Head, etc.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Medical volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report, CV as well as other documents pertaining to their qualifications prior to joining the program.
