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Medical Volunteer Program in India - Delhi

Medical Volunteer Program in India - Delhi

Inspired to be a Medical volunteer in India - Delhi? International Volunteer HQ’s Medical project enables volunteers to assist in under-resourced hospitals or slum clinics in Faridabad. Volunteers will gain medical experience and learn about the Indian healthcare system by shadowing qualified professionals and helping them when appropriate. This improves access to healthcare for the local community and facilitates a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and learnings that benefits both volunteers and local staff.

Highlights:
  • Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
  • Affordable fees from AU$529 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Treat injuries and bandage wounds in busy slum clinics

  • Immerse yourself in the lively chaos of Delhi

  • Stay in a safe apartment with other volunteers

Key information

Improve access to quality healthcare
Based in hospitals and slum clinics in Faridabad
Volunteer house or homestay
Volunteers aged 18+
Fully hosted experience from AU$529 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 24 weeks
Tour the majestic Taj Mahal
Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Pre-medical, nursing and medical students, qualified medical professionals and others working in closely related medical fields who are passionate about healthcare. The amount of hands-on volunteer work you are able to do will depend on your level of training and experience, as well as the length of your stay.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Healthcare in Delhi is free, but public hospitals tend to be underfunded, understaffed and overcrowded. They are also not easily accessible for the millions of people who live outside of the main city centres. Clinics in India’s slums help to address this issue by bringing medical care to people where they need it the most.

Volunteers can help at both hospitals and slum clinics, but local regulations generally prevent international volunteers from treating patients independently.

Volunteers who are still in training will have the opportunity to observe local professionals and learn about the treatment of prevalent diseases in India. Duties may include:

  • Assisting with routine medical tasks
  • Measuring and weighing patients
  • Taking blood pressure
  • Routine check-ups
  • Provide advice about nutrition, general health and sanitation

Qualified and experienced professionals will be able to provide more hands-on care at slum clinics or can request to volunteer in their area of expertise (although this cannot be guaranteed). Duties may include:

  • Treating minor injuries
  • Cleaning and bandaging wounds
  • Blood sugar tests
  • Taking patients’ blood pressure and temperature
  • Completing paperwork
  • Dispensing medicine

Long-term volunteers (three months or longer) will have more scope to assist with hands-on tasks and fully qualified doctors can occasionally assist with surgical procedures, subject to their qualifications and experience.

Qualified dentists and dental students are also eligible to join the Health project in Delhi; however, it is worth noting that the number of patients requiring dental work does vary each day and there may be no patients requiring dental work. Although that is the case, all patients coming into the slum clinics and hospitals can be guided on how to clean their teeth and volunteers can provide suggestions on other treatments that may be required.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-Being

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-Being

Good mental and physical health is key to sustainable development and building healthy and happy communities. Now more than ever, we must increase access to free healthcare and health education across the globe to achieve an acceptable standard of living and wellbeing for all.

Why do Medical volunteering in Delhi with IVHQ?

When you volunteer in healthcare in Delhi you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Supporting local medical staff
  • Improving access to care for the local community
  • Observing clinical practice in a new setting
  • Learning Hindi
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining medical experience
  • Immersing yourself in Indian culture
  • Discovering the diverse nature of Delhi

Volunteer requirements

  • To join the Medical project in Delhi you need to be a pre-medical or pre-nursing student, nursing or medical student; or a qualified medical professional. Paramedics, EMTs, CNAs, lab techs, pharmacists and dentists (including dental students) may be eligible to take part, although volunteer work in these fields cannot be guaranteed and is likely to be more general.

  • Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.

  • All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

JG
Jennifer Gould
14 Feb 2024

I had an incredibly special experience volunteering in India. It is something that I will always hold close to my heart. The people I’ve met have inspired me to continue making positive contributions to communities.

...
CF
Cristina Forrester
24 Jan 2024

I got to see a side of healthcare in another country and it made me appreciate what I have even more. If someone was hesitant, I would just tell them to try it because you never know.

...
LG
Lara Giraldi
07 Nov 2023

Thank you IVHQ, I'm so grateful for the opportunity you gave me to combine two of the things I love the most; getting the chance to travel and visit some beautiful places, while at the same time investing in my future as a doctor made this experience really meaningful to me. But most of all, it was really special to volunteer in a country where so many are in need of help and I feel like working in the slums made the experience even more fulfilling.

It also brought me to see the most beautiful aspect of it: all those people showed a strong sense of belonging towards their slum and the community they had built together. I was also deeply touched by how each medical volunteer, however inexperienced, is immediately made to feel appreciated and welcomed into being part of the slum community.

It was also really special to share this experience with other volunteers from all over the world. I learned that although every volunteer comes from a different past, is at a different moment of their life and has chosen to volunteer for different reasons, during their time as a volunteer everyone is facing the same daily struggles, in a foreign country and away from home. And it's having this kind of experience, this small but so meaningful fragment of our lives, in common, that I feel created this strong sense of mutual understanding between us and brought us even closer together. Every single other vounteer was an important part of this experience for me; I'm so thankful for the unforgettable memories we created together.

...
TH
Tristen Hofmann
14 Jun 2023

I had a very good experience with IVHQ and have already recommended this organization to friends of mine. The local team was superb!

There were so many great moments in my volunteer experience but I thought sitting around the table at night time playing some card games with all of the other volunteers from around the world laughing and having a good time was an unforgettable experience.

Seeing alternate ways of life is such an impactful experience. You simultaneously realize that each culture has something crucial to contribute to the world and that we can all learn for each other, but you also become grateful for your home, family, and everything else in a way that can not be done unless you go out and experience different parts of the world.

I would absolutely suggest you go and volunteer abroad. It isn't always comfortable but you are providing valuable assistance to people that are desperately in need and you get to see a new part of the world and gain a perspective you never ever would if you do not travel and see these place with your own eyes.

...
JS
Johannah Salvaterra
02 Jun 2023

IVHQ well prepared me with all the guidance I needed before my trip. They had a team bases in NZ incase I needed to ask any questions which definitely helped my peace of mind. The local team were fantastic and made sure that I was comfortable in their own home. I saw how so many people live, and I feel like the experience has humbled me. The way that I’ve seen people stay positive with so little has definitely made me rethink the luxury’s I have.

I loved every minute of it and feel as though it really changed me as a person in a good way. I’d love to go on another adventure with IVHQ sometime!

...
EC
Esther Cendrowicz Mera
07 Sep 2022

When reading the Program Guide, everything was very detailed, so they're wasn't much room for misunderstanding. But if I had any questions, I would always receive a kind and informative response.

The local team were extremely kind and they welcomed me into their home, with a smile on their faces and an overall positive attitude. If anyone ever had a question about the culture or food they would always provide an explanation and be happy to help. The food was incredible. The meals were very tasty and there was a very wide selection, allowing us to try different food every day. The chef was very kind and even let me try to make some chapati!

A very nice moment was on my last day in the house. A week earlier I had mentioned that I love aubergines and for my last meal at the house the cook prepared delicious aubergines. It was very heartwarming that the local team had remembered what I said and asked to prepare that specially for me just before leaving.

The conditions the people lived in next to the slum clinic were quite rough to see - the sewage system was terrible and the houses were falling apart. Nevertheless, everyone seemed very happy, whenever we walked around the area everyone was very happy to see us. It made me fell like all my problems were minimal.

Volunteering is an amazing opportunity to strengthen a community and make a difference!

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

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Volunteer Abroad in New Delhi, India with IVHQ

Location

Delhi is home to India’s capital city, New Delhi. The city and surrounding National Capital Region are home to 46 million people in a number of cities and towns. One of these is Faridabad, where many of IVHQ’s India - Delhi projects are based. With more than 1.4 million people, Faridabad is the biggest city in the state of Haryana and part of one of the fastest growing places in the world. This means lower-income communities and slums are becoming more overcrowded and resources more stretched. Volunteers can help local initiatives that aim to address some of these issues, making life better for the people who live there.

If you’re planning to volunteer in India over the summer between April and July, it is important to consider the climate in Delhi. You’ll be in your element if you like it hot, but some past volunteers have found the heat and humidity were more extreme than they were expecting and often there is no air conditioning at placements. If you are looking for a more temperate destination, the IVHQ India - Kerala volunteer program is a great option. Located in southern India, volunteers can expect a more tropical climate throughout the year.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Delhi on the Sunday before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the New Delhi International Airport (DEL). Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Faridabad, on the southern outskirts of Delhi. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are travelling in India prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Delhi on the day before your program orientation.

There are two options for orientation in India:

Half-day Orientation:

This covers everything you need to know for your volunteer project and stay in India. You will have an introduction to the IVHQ India - Delhi program, your project and the local staff, Indian customs, rules, expectations, and safety.

1-week Language and Introduction Week:

A week-long orientation which not only teaches you everything you need to know for your volunteer project, but also gives you detailed information about life in India, basic Hindi language lessons, tours, entertainment and sightseeing including the chance to visit the Taj Mahal. This week is popular with volunteers and is a great way to settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in India.

The fee for this longer orientation is AU$353 and takes place in the first week of your program. Accommodation and three meals per day are covered during this time. The Taj Mahal Tour costs an extra AU$160. If you want to join the 1-week Language and Introduction Week, please indicate this on your application form.

Volunteer schedule example

First day

On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

Weekdays

Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that the volunteer is working at, but a typical volunteer day would be:

7:00 AM Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation
8:00 AM Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements.
12:00 - 2:00 PM Lunch break either at the placement or the volunteer accommodation.
2:00 - 4:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer accommodation, go sightseeing, or do some shopping.
7:00 - 9:00 PM Dinner at the volunteer accommodation.

Weekends

During the weekends, volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Delhi’s numerous street markets, malls and museums, or discover ancient temples, important religious sites and beautifully curated gardens. You can also travel further afield to destinations such as Agra, where you can see the Taj Mahal; or admire the rose-hued buildings in the Pink City of Jaipur. Volunteers can make travel arrangements after arriving in Delhi, however if you are planning a long weekend trip during your time in India, it is a good idea to look into train tickets in advance and visit a travel agent to discuss travel options.

Accommodation and WiFi

You’ll stay in a volunteer house outside of central Delhi, in Faridabad, where you can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers of the same gender. While bedding is provided, it is recommended that volunteers bring their own sleeping bag for the winter months of November through February.

Living is comfortable and all accommodation has electricity, WiFi, fans, shared western toilets and running water. The volunteer house has heated water for showers, a dining area and kitchen facilities. It is located in a gated apartment block within Faridabad and volunteers are provided with transport to and from their placement and accommodation each day.

Volunteers may request homestay accommodation or a private room within the volunteer house and both options are dependent on availability at the time. There is an additional fee of US$91 (approximately AU$146) per week for a private room which can be booked and paid for via your Pre-departure Checklist once you have registered. Families will typically be accommodated in homestays, and on some placements on the Medical project volunteers may also be in a homestay.

Meals

Volunteers on the India - Delhi program are provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner, which are all served at the volunteer accommodation.

Toast, eggs, spreads, fruit and tea are served for breakfast. Typical Indian food served for lunch and dinner include chapati, a flat wheat bread; dahl, a lentil soup; curry; paneer; vegetables and salads. Meat is rarely eaten in India, except on festive occasions so you can expect all meals to be vegetarian.

India is home to a great variety of teas and you are sure to be served an authentic home brew of chai tea during your stay. Bottled water is readily available in India and volunteers should budget approximately AU$8 per week for 2 litres per day.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply so as we can discuss this with you further. As you will be living and volunteering abroad, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home; however, the local team will do their best to ensure you are well taken care of. It’s important that you come to India with an open mind and understand that there is a need to be flexible when it comes to meals. If you wish to supplement some of your meals with home comforts, there are basic kitchen facilities available to use.

Pricing

  • USD
Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week AU$528 Equivalent to AU$76/day
2 weeks AU$664 Equivalent to AU$47/day
3 weeks AU$881 Equivalent to AU$42/day
4 weeks AU$1097 Equivalent to AU$39/day
5 weeks AU$1313 Equivalent to AU$38/day
6 weeks AU$1530 Equivalent to AU$36/day
8 weeks AU$1994 Equivalent to AU$36/day
10 weeks AU$2427 Equivalent to AU$35/day
12 weeks AU$2860 Equivalent to AU$34/day
16 weeks AU$3725 Equivalent to AU$33/day
20 weeks AU$4590 Equivalent to AU$33/day
24 weeks AU$5456 Equivalent to AU$32/day
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$528) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, return transport to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Delhi generally find US$50 - US$100 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses.

Free-time experiences & tours in India

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in India! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ India program.

Backwaters Boat Trip (1 day)
Backwaters Boat Trip (1 day)

Ready for Deeper Exploration of Fort Kochi and Kerala? Consider This Day Trip.

AU$123
Goa Tour (4 days, 3 nights)
Goa Tour (4 days, 3 nights)

Once your volunteer duration has completed, you can visit Goa - a much loved, picturesque destination located on the banks of the Arabian Sea.

AU$1308
Munnar Tea Plantation Visit (overnight tour)
Munnar Tea Plantation Visit (overnight tour)

Unearth the scenic treasures and rich culture of Kerala with this unforgettable Munnar Tea Plantation Expedition.

AU$337
Taj Mahal Visit (1 day)
Taj Mahal Visit (1 day)

If seeing the iconic Taj Mahal is on your bucket list, this visit is your dream come true.

AU$192
Introduction Week
Introduction Week

A great way to meet other volunteers and settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in India.

AU$399
Backwaters Boat Trip (1 day)
Backwaters Boat Trip (1 day)

Ready for Deeper Exploration of Fort Kochi and Kerala? Consider This Day Trip.

AU$123
Goa Tour (4 days, 3 nights)
Goa Tour (4 days, 3 nights)

Once your volunteer duration has completed, you can visit Goa - a much loved, picturesque destination located on the banks of the Arabian Sea.

AU$1308
Munnar Tea Plantation Visit (overnight tour)
Munnar Tea Plantation Visit (overnight tour)

Unearth the scenic treasures and rich culture of Kerala with this unforgettable Munnar Tea Plantation Expedition.

AU$337

Check what's required to visit India

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital New Delhi
Population 1.366 billion
Languages Hindi, English
Currency Indian Rupee (INR)
Time zone UTC+05:30

Weather and climate

India is subject to six different climates and can be loosely characterized by four seasons; winter, summer, monsoon, and a post-monsoon period. Delhi experiences intense heat during the summer months (April to June) and temperatures can reach 45°C (114°F) during heat waves from the south. Dust storms are common during summer months. Following the dry summer, there is a period of monsoon weather from late June until September bringing heavy rain and average temperatures of 29°C (85°F). As winds from the Himalayas descend from November, winter in Delhi begins and average temperatures will sit around 12°C to 13°C (54°F to 55°F) until February. Heavy fog is typical during the winter.

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
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