Medical volunteering program

About the program

Join our healthcare placements and immerse yourself in the day-to-day operations of hospitals, directly assisting or shadowing doctors and nurses depending on your medical year and experience. Our program is designed for medical students, nurses, midwives, and doctors who want to enhance their skills and knowledge while contributing to under-resourced facilities. The hospital we partner with is a governmental hospital striving to meet the healthcare needs of the local communities and always benefiting from an extra pair of hands.

Learning opportunity

Volunteers will gain valuable insights into the healthcare challenges faced in developing countries and learn from the dedicated local professionals. The work environment is vastly different from what you might be used to, requiring open-mindedness and the ability to deal with sometimes limited healthcare options.

Available departments

At Lekma Hospital, you can choose to work in the Emergency Department or the Maternity/Gynecology and Obstetrics Department. Volunteers can either assist or shadow staff members, with responsibilities tailored to their abilities and capabilities to ensure patient health and safety. The type of work allocated will depend on your own skills and the needs of the department.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Your responsibilities may include, for example:

• Going on rounds with doctors to examine cases and determine the next line of action
• Helping to take patients' histories and assisting in diagnoses
• Observing medical procedures
• Providing care for admitted patients
• Do tasks like changing bandages, monitoring recovery, checking blood pressure, weighing babies, and assisting with childbirth and/or C-sections

Work schedule and living arrangements

Volunteers will work from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday, with the rest of the day free to explore the local community. The weekends are free, offering opportunities to stay in Accra for fun activities or go on weekend trips to Cape Coast, Kumasi, or Mole National Park. The volunteer house is conveniently located near the hospital, with options to walk or take an Uber. To optimize your time at the hospital, it is recommended to have a maximum of two volunteers per department.

Cultural immersion and personal growth

This program offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in a different culture, where medical practices may differ considerably from what you're used to. You'll gain insight into Accra, Ghanaian culture and improve your skills in various healthcare areas. The volunteer house is close to the beach, Accra center, and markets, providing plenty of activities during your free time. You will live with other volunteers, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Program fees

The cost of the program is 1500GHS per week, which is approximately $100 or 90€.
The minimum stay is 2 weeks.