Medical care is a necessity of human rights and these hospitals and clinics that we partner with strive to provide the best care. There are varieties of medical placements available in Ghana. As part of our objective of supporting the social economic development of the country, and fostering partnerships that lead to improved health care in Ghana, we have initiated a Health Support Program to improve the healthcare system in the country, and also provide the platform for medical students/healthcare professionals to gain practical knowledge in the developing world. It is an opportunity to observe experts in your field and learn how they work in Ghana.

There is a wide variety of cases but disease such as malaria, HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and syphilis, as well as childbirth/maternity needs are most common. Volunteers with medical training may participate in direct patient care such as diagnosing, injections etc. The type of work you will be allocated will depend to an extent on your own abilities and capabilities, which is understandable given that you will be dealing with patient health and safety. Volunteers interested in medicine, orthopedics, physical therapy, surgery, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, accident and emergency, maternity and midwifery can apply to join the program.

Volunteer Responsibilities

You are likely to be given increasing responsibility depending on your training and experience. Volunteers are given the opportunity to work in all the departments of the hospital/clinics. You will be able to explore the healthcare service in Ghana and compare it with what you have already experienced. You will be involved in the day-to-day running of hospitals and clinics, observing or directly assisting the doctors and nurses.                     

Requirements

Placements are open to all professionals including Doctors, Physicians’ assistants, Nurses, EMT and all health professions. Basic English Speaking, Reading and Writing is required. Volunteers must be certified medical or health professionals. Must not be over 55years of Age and Be Healthy. Cost of Temporal Licensing Registration with Ghana Medical and Dental Association is $400. Above license fee is not included in the program. Fee allows you to practice your profession in Ghana. This will be paid to your Project Coordinator on arrival in Ghana.

Typical Day Schedule (Monday to Friday)

Breakfast is usually ready for volunteers at exactly 7am and volunteers will have enough time to start the day’s work by 8:00am. You are expected to be present at the hospital/clinic to undertake the daily roles to be assigned by the supervisor or the unit/department head. You will have some hours of free time for lunch at (2pm) in the volunteer hostel or at the host family. Your session usually closes at 2pm and you will have time to engage in any other business such as going out for drink, shopping or visiting the internet café etc. in the evening. Volunteers work from Monday to Friday; weekends are free for volunteers to travel for sightseeing.