Health care program overview
Healthcare program
The healthcare/ medical volunteer program takes you to some of the rural hospitals, clinics, small communities, or orphanages. Sub-urban medical centers provide checkups and basic medical care, early intervention-provide services for infants and toddlers under three years of age. Who may have or be at risk of developmental delay, family planning-provide information about birth control methods or help in planning the number and spacing of children? If and when you decide to become pregnant, health care-help child care provides to improve the health and well-being of children in their care.
Newborn hearing screening. Information about an important program to identify early hearing loss in infants. School health information for parents’ nurses and others interested in keeping school-aged children healthy. And ready to learn sanitation and hygiene, nutrition Waste management.
AIM: To improve health in rural communities through educating and engaging people in health programs. We need medical volunteers or interns to join our Public health & medical care project and sustainably change the health, and hygiene of Uganda’s rural people.
The volunteer will be involved in helping the treatment of malaria, tuberculosis, and syphilis. Which are the most common health ailments in Uganda. For example, if you are a registered nurse, medical doctor, lab technician, and paramedic or have a trained medical skill then you can. Participate in patient care such as diagnosing, injections, and lab work. If you are a midwife then you can work in the maternity ward assisting with prenatal and antenatal care.
Medical volunteering programs work under the supervision of professional doctors, nurses, and support staff. And assist them in the treatment of patients. The amount of hands-on work will depend on the knowledge and skill level of the medical volunteer. For students, there is a supervisor (doctor or nurse) with them as they are doing their work. For doctors, they will be with their fellow doctors. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to become familiarized with the practices of African hospitals specifically Ugandan hospitals.
Many patients do not speak English; however, the doctors and fellow medical staff can assist with translating.
If you have an educational background in public health, then you can also participate in this project. By helping the staff to record injections or immunizations, helping to dispense medications, and beginning a painting or cleaning project. Donating supplies, giving educational seminars on nursing skills, nutrition, or any other subject that is required in the community you are placed.
The number of hours depends on the volunteer’s needs, as the hospital is 24/7. Normally, volunteers will work for 6-8 hours. But we have had some volunteers who have chosen to work full-time for a 12-hour shift. This is the length of a typical shift for people working at Uganda hospital.
Volunteers should come with their scrubs and a stethoscope, if necessary. In addition, if volunteers are volunteering through an organization, school, etc. They may bring any hospital supplies to the hospital in Uganda as it may be necessary. It is very helpful to the medical project if volunteers provide additional supplies.
Placements will vary from day to day sometimes you might be assisting experienced doctors or helping patients. Conducting tests, research, or general cleaning and assisting. Some days you might need to wake up early to travel to clinics and work throughout the day. It’s not all work though, there will be a lot of time to relax and socialize with other international volunteers. You might also be working on outreach programs in the capital city where you can help some of the needy people in the country.
Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of Volunteering in Uganda. Your safety is our highest priority.
On arrival, you will be greeted at Entebbe International Airport and transported to your hotel (alternative arrangements can be made for those already in Uganda before the start of their placement). You will then receive a comprehensive three-day induction, during which time you will be provided with information about your particular placement. As well as general information, including basic Ugandan language and culture.
This is also a good time to mix with other volunteers or interns who may be great sight-seeing companions. And a source of support during your volunteer placement.
See below for more information and be sure to check our frequently asked questions or contact us in case you need further clarification. [/read]
Skills/Qualifications Needed
For the medical placement, volunteers need to be training (minimum of two years hands-on clinical experience)
You will need to be aged 18 years or above at the time of joining the program. Everyone is welcome to apply and a lot of pre-med, medical students, graduates, and general people looking to help can apply to join these programs. If you are looking to volunteer in a skilled role (for example as a doctor), you will need to provide certificates and your level of experience
Healthcare program Volunteer Activities
1 .Responsibilities for volunteers in the medical project in Uganda depend on their qualifications and experience. Generally, medical students will observe and occasionally assist the doctor, while experienced doctors and nurses can be involved in treatment too.
The types of work volunteers may assist with in the Uganda medical project include:
- Assist with minor operations
- Blood pressure measurements
- Pediatric work
- Labor ward
- Psychiatric unit
- Dental unit
- You are to also help in health camps (if any), distribute medicines, provide tips to patients on health, nutrition and sanitation and counseling patients, and involve yourself in the treatment for minor injuries or wounds and keeping patient records. Work alongside medical Ugandan nurses and doctors
- Helping the community maintain the health and hygiene remains major focus
- Involve in conducting public health surveys, which will provide direction for the future.
NB: Volunteers joining as a medical volunteer vary with education, skills, experience and qualifications. Volunteers/Interns are not allowed to perform the major identification or surgery works.
- At least 16 years or older at the start of the program
- Have an open mind and flexible attitude towards working in new and different environments
- Prepared to do some manual work during their placement
Interested in our Healthcare/ Medical Volunteer program?
Check the link below for detailed terms, fees and schedules