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Excellent 4.88rating (1321)

Ghana Medical Volunteers

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • 80% of volunteers are 18-22 years old
  • A top destination for first-time looking for a secure & social experience
  • Great opportunities to specialise in areas within a government hospital

Highlights

  • 80% of volunteers are 18-22 years old
  • A top destination for first-time looking for a secure & social experience
  • Great opportunities to specialise in areas within a government hospital
  • Structured weekend trips to Cape Coast & Mole National Park
  • Embrace Ghanaian culture with drumming & dancing evening activities

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Groups

    About the program

    A fantastic opportunity to gain first-hand experience and insight into the Ghanaian health care system. Learn from local staff and get involved in supporting them.

    As a medical volunteer in Ghana, you will gain first-hand experience and insight into the Ghanaian healthcare system. Ghana's volunteer programs provide an amazing cultural experience. The medical project offers a fantastic opportunity to spend time in a range of departments in a large government ...

    About the program

    As a medical volunteer in Ghana, you will gain first-hand experience and insight into the Ghanaian healthcare system. Ghana's volunteer programs provide an amazing cultural experience. The medical project offers a fantastic opportunity to spend time in a range of departments in a large government hospital. Learn from local staff and get involved in supporting them.

    BACKGROUND TO THE MEDICAL PROGRAM

    Access to healthcare in Ghana has improved dramatically since the introduction of the National Health Insurance Act in 2003. However, the healthcare system in Ghana still faces many challenges, particularly in rural areas. The large majority of patients arrive due to illnesses related to poor sanitation.

    Malaria is also a huge issue and remains the cause of many deaths and illnesses. In addition, HIV/AIDS continues to harm the lives of so many Ghanaians. Many of the major causes of death and serious illness are avoidable. The work of the healthcare system in Ghana largely centres on treating immediate cases. However, it also extends to educating the local communities on preventative measures.

    We offer medical placements for people of all backgrounds. Therefore if you’re a school leaver looking for work experience to boost your university application we can accommodate you. Alternatively, if you’re a nursing/medical student organising an overseas elective placement we also have you covered.

    Volunteer opportunities in Ghana provided by will provide you with a platform. Such a platform allows for valuable exposure to medicine and healthcare projects within a new culture. For the reason that many of the facilities, procedures and operations you observe will be completely new to you.

    More specifically, they will be completely different from how things are done in your home country. As a medical volunteer in Ghana, you will need to schedule your time and skills effectively to make the most out of your project time. This is to ensure you can maximise your exposure and learning opportunities at the project.

    MEDICAL VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT EXAMPLES

    Manhyia Government Hospital - Based in central Kumasi, Manhyia Hospital is home to a range of departments. Established in 1962 as a small community clinic, the hospital has grown to become one of the biggest government hospitals in Kumasi. Participants are likely to have the opportunity to observe within more than one division. However, it is recommended that volunteers spend a minimum of one week per department. Such departments include:

    Adolescent Counselling, Community Health Education, Dentistry, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), General Surgery, Laboratory, Nursing, Maternity & Midwifery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Paediatrics, Pharmacology, Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy, Prenatal, Psychology, Radiology, Ultrasound

    Tafo Government Hospital - Located in the town of Tafo in Kumasi, this healthcare institution is governed by Ghana’s Ministry of Health. Tafo Hospital provides care and support for a population of over 60,000 people. There are a range of departments where participants can enjoy shadowing local healthcare professionals on their medical experience. Such departments include:

    Dentistry, Dermatology, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Family Health, General O.P.D, General Surgery, Laboratory, Maternity & Midwifery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Psychology, Radiology, Ultrasound

    You will find the staff at both healthcare facilities appreciative of your support and positive towards information sharing. Throughout your placement, you will witness a range of unique cases. This may include cases such as Typhoid, Polio and TB. There will also be the chance to ask questions about tropical diseases such as Malaria, Leishmaniasis and Dengue.

    Whilst the hospitals adopt modern forms of treatment, you will experience how cases are treated within an under-resourced and poorly staffed healthcare system. Most noteworthy, you will gain exposure during your volunteer work in Ghana to the challenges the local staff face. Furthermore, cultural factors and a lack of education/health awareness will give you an insight into the alarmingly high number of preventable cases admitted each day. Many students also find it fascinating to witness the dynamics of the doctor-patient relationship compared to that of the Western world.

    We welcome school leavers and healthcare-related undergraduate students, looking to gain invaluable exposure. Your role is largely observational. The hospitals are poorly resourced and understaffed by Western standards, so you will have a very eye-opening experience. You will be placed in many different departments. As a result, you will receive a broad insight into the Ghanaian healthcare system.

    We also offer more specific program opportunities for medical, midwifery and nursing students looking to focus on an overseas elective. You can schedule the placement around your needs and design your work schedule around the requirements for your elective. We can also complete any paperwork required by your university. This is because we receive many healthcare students in Ghana for their elective placement.

    STUDENT ELECTIVE OPPORTUNITIES

    We are able to provide specialist elective placements for students in Ghana. Students looking to enjoy a unique overseas elective experience can do so with us. Learn directly from health professionals in medical settings like no other. As a Ghana medical volunteer, you can specify during the online application process which clinical elective you wish to undertake. More specifically, highlight your elective experience in the 'Special Requirements' section of the online application. The Ghana team will then have everything planned and in place for your elective in Ghana.

    Medical - During your time on a medical elective in Ghana, you will be centrally based at a government hospital in Kumasi. You will shadow doctors and nurses on their daily rounds at the hospital. They will teach you about Ghana’s prevalent diseases such as Malaria and Typhoid. Learn about their diagnoses, management and treatment. Outside of the hospital, complete health checks in rural villages in medical outreach work. Raise awareness of key healthcare issues in Ghana through supporting health education campaigns.

    Midwifery - Use your international midwifery experience in Ghana to observe qualified midwives as they consult with patients in the maternity ward. This will give you the chance to see the different conditions of pregnant women in Ghana face. Witness childbirth in the delivery room and assess the differences in care. Be prepared for a lack of maternity support during labour and limited prenatal care beforehand. Your midwifery elective placement in Ghana will be the most eye-opening experience you can wish for.

    Nursing - Travel to Africa and experience a nursing elective like no other! Shadow nurses in a government hospital and observe their daily routines. You will experience the important role nurses play in Ghana hospitals as they care for patients, monitor them and give medication. Rotate across the departments to witness different illnesses, injuries and practices. Assist nurses with basic healthcare checks in community outreach work. Clean wounds, check for tropical diseases and conduct blood pressure and blood sugar tests.

    OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER AS A MEDICAL VOLUNTEER IN GHANA

    Return Airport Transfer - Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. Our local team can help arrange onward transfers to the airport or an alternative destination from the volunteer accommodation. Making specific arrangements once in Ghana provides more flexibility as plans can often change and participants may be on similar flight plans. The costs depend on your method of transport and your final destination. Participants will usually get the coach back to Accra airport or arrange a short domestic flight from Kumasi to Accra airport instead.

    Project Flexibility - As for all our volunteer in Ghana programs, it is possible to combine multiple projects. First of all, please apply for the main program start date you’d like to partake in. Secondly, outline in your online application the details of the other projects you’d like to do. Our local team will finalise the details of your placements during your in-country orientation.

    Hands-On Involvement - Your level of involvement at the medical volunteer projects is dictated by a range of factors. First of all your medical experience, but also the duration of program and willingness to get involved. The medical staff are accountable for you whilst you’re under their supervision. Ultimately, it is completely up to them if you are permitted and want to get involved in hands-on procedures.

    Previous Ghana medical volunteer participants have been given the chance to administer IV injections, dress wounds etc. However, please note we can never guarantee or promote hands-on involvement regardless of medical experience or background.

    Generally speaking those with little or no medical experience assume a largely observational role. If you are studying a medically related degree, then you should have more opportunity to undertake some more basic hands-on involvement. However, to reiterate we can never guarantee or endorse hands-on experience should you choose to get hands-on. Such a decision ultimately lies with the medical staff.

    Trained Professionals - Please note this program is not suitable for trained professionals who are looking to practise overseas. This opportunity is only suitable for school leavers & medical students looking to go into the medical or nursing field and wish to learn about a healthcare system overseas.

    Group Medical Trips - We provide affordable group trips to Ghana for academic institutions and societies from around the world. From only 699 GBP per person (group leaders travel free), our 15 day trip to Ghana is fully structured, inclusive and led by our experienced team. Organising an overseas trip for large groups involves lots of preparation. From flights and insurance to pre-trip training and that’s even before you’ve looked at organising the itinerary! So that’s where we come in. We really do specialise in the group’s overseas expedition area providing exclusive group trips whilst accommodating large groups of students, on full board options. We guarantee to provide trusted and vetted medical project settings that provide great insight, exposure and learning opportunities for students.

    Weekends - Your project work in Ghana runs from Monday-Friday and weekends are free. You are welcome to relax and hang out at the volunteer accommodation but most participants will use this time to travel and explore the country. As a result, you can check out our Ghana Weekend Travel Guide for top tips on how to spend your weekend. We also run two separate weekend trips which you can sign-up to before you depart for Ghana. We offer the Cape Coast & Busua Surf Trip along with the Mole National Park Trip with opportunities running every month.



    Typical day

    YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE & TYPICAL WORK DAY

    Volunteers will spend their time in either Manhyia or Tafo Hospital. Both hospitals offer a structured observational learning experience for participants across multiple departments. During orientation, participants in this medical volunteer abroad project will ...

    Typical day

    YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE & TYPICAL WORK DAY

    Volunteers will spend their time in either Manhyia or Tafo Hospital. Both hospitals offer a structured observational learning experience for participants across multiple departments. During orientation, participants in this medical volunteer abroad project will receive an introduction to the hospital placement. Either a local team member or hospital staff member will lead a tour around the whole institution. Thus allowing volunteers to become familiar with the hospital’s layout. Furthermore, this will also allow you to meet staff members within each department.

    In general, participants are based at the project Monday-Friday for around 3-4 hours every day from 9am-1pm. Usually, as a medical volunteer in Ghana, you will take lunch at the project. On an ad hoc basis, you may also get the chance to experience working the night shift. Should you wish to, this is something you can speak to our local team about in-country. You must arrange private transport should you decide to give up your free time to experience the night shift.

    Transport to and from the medical project is not included in your Program Fee. Consequently, volunteers will usually travel by private taxi. Our local team will show you how to get to and from your volunteer project location during the orientation period as well as how to use our local taxi system. Most noteworthy, heavy traffic and poor road infrastructure are commonplace within Kumasi. Subsequently, the journey to the volunteer project can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour from the Volunteer House.


    Free-time activities

    Volunteers are based in a friendly neighbourhood of Ghana’s second city, Kumasi. The volunteer house is a 45-minute drive into Kumasi city centre, which is still dripping with Ashanti traditions and has some interesting sights.

    Kumasi is still the heart of Ashanti country and the site of West ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers are based in a friendly neighbourhood of Ghana’s second city, Kumasi. The volunteer house is a 45-minute drive into Kumasi city centre, which is still dripping with Ashanti traditions and has some interesting sights.

    Kumasi is still the heart of Ashanti country and the site of West Africa’s largest cultural centre, the palace of the Ashanti king. The city is surrounded by rolling green hills and has a vast and vibrant central market.

    Close to the market is the city’s National Cultural Centre which encompasses a museum of Ashanti history and you can even try your hand at traditional dance and drumming classes!


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    healthcare related undergraduate students at University level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    You should also be physically fit, as volunteering overseas can be quite strenuous. If you have any medical/mental health conditions that may affect your participation overseas then these must be declared to us during your online application.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation 
    • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
    • Airport Pick Up
    • In-Country Orientation
    • 24 Hour Support

    Airport Pickup at Kumasi Airport

    You should arrive into Kotoka International Airport (airport code ACC) on the Sunday. The airport pickup is available 24 hours. 

    On arrival, a member of our local team will be at the waiting area for you holding a sign. They will drive you straight to our partner hotel where you can relax and settle in. The hotel is around 15 minutes away from the airport.

    Accommodation

    Volunteer House

    Your first night in Ghana will be spent at a hotel near Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Our partner hotel offers basic but comfortable accommodation. You will share a room with fellow volunteers. Rooms are air-conditioned and a local team coordinator will also stay at the hotel. As a result, you will have 24/7 support if needed. Furthermore, the team member will travel with you to Kumasi the following day.

    During your time on the Ghana volunteer programs, you will live in our Volunteer House. This is located in a friendly neighbourhood, a 45 minute drive from Kumasi city centre. You will find restaurants, convenience stores and ATMs in the centre of the town. However, there is also a small shop opposite the Volunteer House. The local community is extremely friendly!

    The Volunteer House is basic but comfortable. Each room has bunk beds with up to 10 people in same-sex rooms. Volunteers are provided with air conditioning in the room. In addition, each international volunteer is provided with their own mosquito net and bed linen. Bathrooms are limited and are shared between volunteers. There are showers and western style toilets available. The water is cold but this shouldn’t be a problem as Ghana is hot all year round!

    Each participant will also be provided with a locker for storing small valuables and important items. In communal areas, there is CCTV for security reasons. However, we always recommend you store your valuables locked away when not in use. Living in the Volunteer House offers a great social experience! The house has a communal area for volunteers to hang out after completing volunteer work in Ghana. There is a lounge, TV and DVD player. Furthermore, there is an outside seating area for volunteers to relax in during their free time.

    Wi-Fi is not available at the accommodation. However, our local team provides all participants with a free local SIM card. As a result, participants can purchase a data package that is reliable, cheap and allows for good internet access. A 4G data package is usually very cheap and can be used across Ghana. Please make sure your phone is unlocked before arriving in Ghana.

    We also have a refrigerator where you can store your food items, however, please remember this is dependent on electricity. Since power cuts can be a frequent occurrence in Ghana! Clothes can be hand-washed or there are local laundry services near the Volunteer House. A member of our local team will also live at the house. The house is gated and secure and our local coordinator lives on-site ensuring you have constant support and security.

    Please note that power cuts and water shortages are very common in Ghana. Whilst we have backup measures to combat this, there may be times when the power cuts out or there is no water for a while. It’s important to be aware of this in advance and be able to adapt accordingly.

    Food & Beverages

    Volunteers will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday during their time. Breakfast and dinner are served at the Volunteer House, whereas for lunch we may provide you with a packed lunch or the project may provide you with lunch.

    Most meals are local foods such as rice, eggs, stews, vegetables, Ghanaian dishes, meats, breads, and more. A usual breakfast consists of toast and tea/coffee. Lunch is usually a rice based Ghanaian dish. Dinner will consist of a more wholesome meal, usually noodles, typically made of starchy foods such as rice, yams or ugali – sometimes served with meats such as fish, chicken or goat. Here is an idea of some of the most common meals in Ghana:

    Fufu – Cassava, yams and plantains are boiled, pounded and rolled into balls known as fufu. These are often served in a soup or stew, or with palm oil/groundnut sauce.
    Red Red – Black-eyed peas that are stewed with spices, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and red palm oil. The red palm oil saturates the dish giving it a red hue, hence the name.
    Jollof Rice – Tomato flavoured rice, spiced (with a little yoghurt in the middle) and served with meat or fish.

    There are a number of western restaurants near to the accommodation should you fancy picking up some home comforts. Pizza, burgers, chicken and chips etc are available for around £5, however this depends on the quality of place you go to. There are also some Chinese and Indian restaurants in Kumasi. Our local team will tell you all about the options available to you during your in-country orientation.

    Please note most meals will incorporate lots of carbs and not so much dairy or meat compared to the UK so please be open minded around this! It may take you a few days for your body to accustom to the local food as well.

    * Please inform us in your application if you have any dietary requirements. Furthermore, meals on the Sunday arrival date are NOT included, so please budget between £5 to £10 for this.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kumasi Airport (KMS) in Kumasi. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ghana. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ghana provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Ghana you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ghana. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This program starts on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 665€
    3 weeks 788€
    4 weeks 911€
    6 weeks 1,157€
    8 weeks 1,404€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 1,896€
    Average fees 244€/week

    Program fees

    244€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Plan My Gap Year during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.9
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers
    2024
    I traveled to Ghana with PMGY for a medial outreach trip in the beginning of May. Seth, Kelvin, and Chloe (as well as the rest of the staff ...
    Sydney Clements

    Ghana Medical Volunteers

    Location

    Africa > Western Africa > Ghana > Kumasi

    Meet your project coordinator

    Josh
    1321
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    4.88
    Excellent
    2011
    Founded

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    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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