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Medical Campaign in Nepal

Medical Campaign in Nepal

Interested in getting a group together to volunteer on a Medical Campaign in Nepal? International Volunteer HQ’s Medical Campaign is a special project that enables groups of volunteers to provide roving healthcare outreach in a variety of communities in Nepal. Volunteers will visit up to four different locations where they will provide basic medical care and treatment to local people who may otherwise find it difficult to access.

Highlights:
  • Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
  • Affordable set fee of AU$778 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Take health services to disadvantaged people in their own neighborhoods

  • Visit areas of Nepal you might never otherwise see

  • Customizable for your experience or medical specialty

Key information

Improve access to quality healthcare
Based in communities in Nepal
Homestay accommodation
Volunteers aged 18+
Affordable set fee of AU$778 for 1 week
Set duration of 1 week
Trek to Everest Base Camp
Up to 4 hours a day

This program is ideal for:

Groups of eight or more volunteers who are either in training or studying in a healthcare or related field, or qualified professionals who want to make a difference to the wellbeing of local communities. This campaign can be adapted for different medical specialties and levels of experience.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Nepal’s healthcare system is generally regarded as substandard and failing to meet the needs of the people it serves. Great efforts being made to improve this situation suffered serious setbacks after the 2015 earthquake which saw thousands of healthcare facilities destroyed. Volunteers can make a genuine difference to the lives of people, especially those in rural or remote areas, by bringing healthcare to them in their own neighborhoods.

As a Medical Campaign volunteer you will visit three to four communities throughout the week to help treat and educate patients, provide check ups and help with health education. If your group has a particular medical specialty, then your campaign can be tailored to provide specialist services in dentistry, physical therapy or nursing. Groups can be led by any member of the group and the level of care you provide can be adapted to the experience of your group, from pre-med students to qualified professionals.

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 Campaign volunteering in Nepal with IVHQ?

When your group volunteers on a Medical Campaign in Nepal you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Bringing healthcare to people in their own communities
  • Experiencing a different medical environment
  • Growing as a team
  • Volunteering with friends, colleagues or classmates
  • Developing your cross-cultural communication skills
  • Gaining medical experience
  • Immersing yourself in Nepali culture

Volunteer requirements

  • To join the Medical Campaign in Nepal volunteers need to be in medical or nursing training at any level, or fully qualified. CNAs, EMTs and paramedics may be eligible for this project too.

  • 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.

Apply For Free

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

RN
Rashida Nabijee
21 Feb 2024

A fantastic experience, I learnt about the Nepalese culture and embraced the people, language and customs. I loved working with the women and teaching. I have to say my favorite experience was at the monastery, mediating, practicing yoga and connecting with others, feeling grounded. I felt rested, at peace and very happy!

...
DD
Dawn Douglas
15 Feb 2024

I think the online resources were very thorough in preparing for my trip, and my IVHQ Program Manager was always easy to communicate with to get questions answered.

The local team were always available to answer questions and assist with travel between locations. They even went above and beyond to make sure my last day and departure went okay.

It was a lifelong dream fulfilled to work with elephants and it was even better than I imagined it would be. I feel that I was able to make an impact by sharing the conservation message and what I learned with my friends and followers back in the US, and I feel like I made a difference in the local community by being a part of the program and shopping local. Don't hesitate to go! You may experience normal difficulties of traveling and being in a different country, but the experience on the program is well worth any inconveniences.

...
BP
Brittany Pantin
15 Feb 2024

The volunteer program was better than expected and I had high expectations haha! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming! The school I was placed at was a close walk from the homestay and the teachers and principals were very helpful, so helpful in fact the principal helped paint the walls in a full dress suit!! Everything from start to finish was amazing and made me definitely want to come back to Nepal!

I’m currently on the Everest trek and my guide is very knowledgeable and friendly. I’m so grateful to have him as a guide and looking forward to the rest of my trip!

...
DP
Daniel Page
14 Feb 2024

The home stay was terrific love the family and accommodation! Being able to help others along with getting immersed in another culture is just amazing.

...
MS
Millie Shaw
14 Feb 2024

If you are passionate about education and gender equality, you will definitely enjoy this program! I would recommend doing it for at least 3 weeks as that is how long it took to properly form connections with the women and notice improvement.

...
BL
Belinda Lindel
20 Dec 2023

I have gained alot of perspective volunteering with IVHQ. The interactions with the people I work with, to the shop keepers on the way to work, the gym I attend and the Yoga classes I participate in - I have made many friends here which will be lifelong.

From the activities aimed at the tourists that are easily available, to the local team assisting and arranging a hike with a guide within a National Park - the opportunities are endless. Both with work and play.

IVHQ has ethical practices and I will have pride saying I volunteered with the organisation. I would definitely recommend it to others and have already done so. What I would say to others is to come with an open mind, and have no expectations! You will get out of it what you put into it.

...

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 Nepal with IVHQ

Location

Land-locked in the middle of South Asia, Nepal is known for its astonishing alpine scenery and breathtaking mountainscapes. But this diverse country offers much more than its remarkable natural environment. Among Nepal’s 28 million people, there are more than 100 different ethnic groups speaking as many languages and following a large number of religious and cultural traditions. It also faces the challenges associated with a history of civil war, natural disasters, political corruption and a lack of resources and infrastructure to support its population.

Volunteers can have a meaningful impact on Nepalese communities by providing assistance with a wide range of activities that help make life, and the future, better for local people. IVHQ has a number of volunteer projects in Nepal. Some are located on the outskirts of the capital city of Kathmandu in rural and urban areas, while others are in Chitwan 150 kilometres away, in the middle of Terrai - a flat fertile plain that borders India and stretches right across Southern Nepal. Pokhara is located in mid-western Nepal and is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its amazing mountain views.

Arrival and orientation

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

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. 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 Kathmandu. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are travelling in Nepal prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in Kathmandu on the day before your program orientation.

Orientation is hosted by our Nepal team in Kathmandu and runs over the course of two days. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Nepal – an introduction to Nepal, Nepalese customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Nepal, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to visit local temples, sample authentic Nepali food, meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

If you are placed in Pokhara or Chitwan, you will travel to your placement location on Tuesday afternoon and you will begin work on Wednesday. If you are located in Kathmandu, you will begin work on Wednesday.

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:

While a volunteer daily schedule will vary depending on the specific placement, a typical day is as follows:

7:30 AM Breakfast at the homestay.
8:00 AM Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. There is usually a tea break and a lunch break.
2:00 - 5:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer house, go sightseeing, or do some shopping.
7:00 - 9:00 PM Dinner at the homestay.

Weekends:

During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of their local town and Nepal. Known for being home to the world’s tallest mountain, Mt Everest, Nepal is an adventurer’s paradise. It has a vast selection of exceptional hikes in the Himalayas with arresting views in every direction, white-water rafting, canyon swings, paragliding and scenic flights. It also has a rich multicultural heritage and a huge collection of temples, pagodas, shrines, carvings and ancient architecture, not to mention an astonishing array of wildlife and an interesting cuisine influenced by its many ethnic groups and cultures.

Accommodation and WiFi

On arrival in Nepal, volunteers stay in a local hotel in Kathmandu for their two-day orientation.

Volunteers are then accommodated together in homestays and hosted by local families who have been approved by our program staff. We give your host family a fee for your support, food and board. It is exciting to stay with a host family, providing you with a unique opportunity to learn about the Nepalese way of life, meet local people, try traditional food and speak the local language - especially when host families in Nepal tend to have limited English.

Living is basic but comfortable and most homestays have electricity and running water, with the exception of some rural homestays which are without these conveniences during the dry season. Western toilets can be found at your home stays but please keep in mind that Squat toilets are still the norm in parts of Nepal; so you might find these at your placement and during activities, treks, etc. Volunteers can also expect low-pressure showers that are generally not heated, however, this is refreshing after a day in the heat.

You can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers and bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. It is recommended volunteers bring their own sleeping bag and mosquito nets for any trips away.

WiFi is available in most of the volunteer homestays, however those based in Chitwan should expect to walk to a nearby cafe for internet access. If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Nepal.

Meals

The staple meal for most Nepali families is dal bhat, which consists of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and vegetables in curry (tarkari) and/or meat (masu) with a side of pickle/sauce (achar).

Food in Nepal is heavily influenced by the country’s Indian and Tibetan neighbours and includes plenty of curries, breads and potato-based dishes. Volunteers are served two meals per day at their homestay and can purchase additional food to supplement this if they wish.

Bottled water is readily available in Nepal and volunteers should budget approximately AU$8 per week for two litres a day. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you. However, we need to stress the point that you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but there is a need to be flexible.

Pricing

  • USD

The Nepal Medical Campaign program fee is US$485 (approximately AU$778) per person for the week, and includes 24/7 support, accommodation, meals, airport transfers, Medical Campaign, private transportation to placement daily, language translators, program orientation and discounts on language lessons. All programs attract a Registration Fee (from US$329) on top of the Program Fee. A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.

Free-time experiences & tours in Nepal

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

Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 nights/3 days)
Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 nights/3 days)

Embark on an unforgettable jungle safari to witness Nepal’s captivating wildlife in its natural habitat.

AU$288
Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)
Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)

This iconic expedition is the most popular trekking route in the Himalayas and is unlike any other in the world.

AU$2367
Hatha Yoga and Meditation Retreat (1 week)
Hatha Yoga and Meditation Retreat (1 week)

Reconnect with tranquility and mindfulness during a rejuvenating one-week yoga and meditation retreat, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Western world.

AU$842
Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)
Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)

This iconic expedition is the most popular trekking route in the Himalayas and is unlike any other in the world.

AU$2367
Hatha Yoga and Meditation Retreat (1 week)
Hatha Yoga and Meditation Retreat (1 week)

Reconnect with tranquility and mindfulness during a rejuvenating one-week yoga and meditation retreat, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Western world.

AU$842
Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 nights/3 days)
Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 nights/3 days)

Embark on an unforgettable jungle safari to witness Nepal’s captivating wildlife in its natural habitat.

AU$288

Check what's required to visit Nepal

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 Kathmandu
Population 28 million
Languages Nepali
Currency Rupee (NRs.)
Time zone UTC+05:45

Weather and climate: The climate in Nepal varies largely due to the variations in geography across the country. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons with dry weather and moderate temperatures. The Kathmandu Valley and other areas of high altitude experience summer temperatures of up to 28°C (82.4°F) and in winter, temperatures range between 2°C (35.6°F) and 20°C (68°F). The summer temperatures in Chitwan can reach up to 35°C (95°F) and in winter they range between 7°C (44.6°F) and a mild 23°C (73.4°F). The climate in Pokhara is similar to that of the Kathmandu Valley, with slightly warmer temperatures.

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How to get started

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Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
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