Make a significant impact on the health of rural India! Medical volunteering in India is possible if you have the right qualifications. Check more about this important HelpStay gig here:
- Location – Gujarat
- Host – Sukdev Swami
- Duration: 1 month
- Minimum Age – 21+
- Available Spots – 2 helpers
- Weekly Hours – 30 hours
- Room Type – Twin bed Private
- Meals – Full board
- Nearest Airport – Ahmedabad International Airport, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD)
Overview
Join Swaminarayan Gokuldham Nar’s “Hospital at Your Door” service, offering mobile healthcare to 32 rural villages in Gujarat, India. This service provides primary medical care, consultations, and medications at a minimal cost.
A team of four (doctor, nurse, assistant, and driver) operates the mobile clinic, visiting five villages daily to set up pop-up clinics. Volunteers are essential to maintain efficient operations and ensure continuous patient care.
Tasks
Volunteers will work with the local medical team to diagnose, offer preventive advice, and prescribe medications to village residents. Tasks include measuring blood pressure, temperature checks, assisting the local doctor, and providing primary care.
Volunteers will also help at the boarding school and care home on campus, and may participate in a monthly prosthetic limb camp. There are opportunities to develop healthcare awareness materials and teach health-related topics to students.
Accommodation
Volunteers are provided with a shared two-bedroom apartment on the Gokuldham Nar campus. Meals, featuring Swaminarayan vegetarian cuisine, are served in the communal temple, and free mineral water is available.
Location
The center is 2 hours from Ahmedabad and 30 minutes from Anand. Free transfers are provided from Ahmedabad International Airport or Anand railway station.
The best time to visit Gujarat is from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers are extremely hot, and the monsoon season can make travel challenging.
Local transportation includes auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses, with trains and buses being reliable for intercity travel.
In Ahmedabad, visit the Sabarmati Ashram, Jama Masjid, and Adalaj Stepwell. Gir National Park is a must-see for its Asiatic lions. The Rann of Kutch is known for its white salt desert, especially during the Rann Utsav festival.
Dwarka and Somnath are important pilgrimage sites with stunning temples, and Vadodara is home to the grand Laxmi Vilas Palace and Sayaji Gardens.
Gujarat is predominantly vegetarian, and many places observe strict vegetarianism. Respect local customs, dress modestly, and be mindful of the state’s alcohol restrictions.
Try local cuisine like Gujarati thali, dhokla, khandvi, and thepla. For shopping, explore markets in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Bhuj for textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional attire.
Stay hydrated, use insect repellent, respect local laws, and keep copies of important documents. While Gujarati is the official language, Hindi and English are widely understood, especially in urban areas.
More Information
Volunteers must commit to a minimum of four weeks, possess relevant healthcare qualifications, and be fluent in English. A video interview is required before placement.
Volunteers must dress modestly and adhere to a no smoking, no alcohol, and no drugs policy. This opportunity offers a chance to immerse in the local culture and make a significant impact in rural healthcare.
