If you’re a healthcare professional or student seeking to help the world the best way you know how, look no further. Volunteer in South Africa in the Healthcare program and bring medical relief to the people. Healthcare in South Africa is expensive and unaffordable for extremely poor. While those who can afford it visit private clinics, the majority of the poor goes to the government hospitals. The government hospitals unfortunately lack qualified healthcare professionals to address the overwhelming amount of patients they receive. As a result, the hospitals are not only slow in their services; the healthcare standard is low as well. New Hope works with the local doctors and nurses, who are often overwhelmed by the amount of patients they receive. Take part in the Healthcare project, and while you’re helping the locals to lead healthier lives, explore the vast array of natural panoramic landscapes and prominent national parks in South Africa!

Minimum stay of four weeks

As a volunteer in the healthcare volunteer project in South Africa, you will be placed in local government hospitals and treat mainly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Depending on your individual interests and skills, and on the needs of the local staff, your daily activities involve, but are not limited to:

• Assist with general check-ups and examinations of patients
• Measurement of blood pressure, temperature, height and weight of patients
• Helping out at health camps
• Dispensing medications and immunizations
• Treating minor injuries or wounds
• OPD or out-patient services
• Providing tips and education to patients on health, nutrition and sanitation
• Counseling patients
• Assisting hospital administration
• Maternal help and childcare and assisting midwives on visits
• Participate in home visits in rural areas to help with vaccinations and/or care for immobilized patients

Medical volunteers will shadow local doctors and learn mostly from observation. Due to the increased risks involved and raised medical regulations, volunteers cannot treat patients or become involved in surgery during the project.

Dedicated towards helping the poor and disadvantaged, many committed doctors and nurses in this project need all the help they can get to treat their patients. By volunteering in South Africa, there will be tremendous opportunities for volunteers to experience the healthcare industry in another country. You’ll also be immersed in the local culture, through treating the patients, letting you have a deeper insight and empathy for the plight of the people. Such an experience can only positively impact your life and future career.

Applicants interested to join this program must possess healthcare certification, such as: ID as a medical student, EMT, paramedic certification, nursing, physical therapy, midwifery or physician’s credentials. We do not permit volunteers without medical credentials to participate in this program due to the potential risk. This project also requires a copy of the volunteer’s resume which clearly documents the education and/or professional credentials, prior to arrival. The projects will also require an official copy of the credentials. Depending on your specific placement and host institution, additional application materials may be required.

Your understanding of South African culture and diversity can help improve the experience for you and your patients. Consider enrolling in our five-day Cultural Immersion & Information program.

The project is located in the capital city of South Africa, Cape Town. Not only is Cape Town South Africa’s second largest city, it is also the most popular tourist destination in all of Africa. Cape Town is the quintessential melting pot of South Africa; a city alive with creativity, color, sounds, and tastes. When strolling through the city streets of Cape Town, you will fall in love with the natural beauties that surround you, the creative freedom of the locals, and the ambiance of it all.

There is a lot to do and see in your free time in and around Cape Town. You can visit many popular sites such as Table Mountain National Park, City Bowl, various popular beaches, Chapman’s Peak Drive, The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Two Oceans Aquarium, and much more. You can also see places like Bo Kaap, a historical area inhabited by slaves from the Southeast, also known for colorful buildings, quaint streets, mosques, and the prettiest views of Cape Town. The Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving building is another attraction you can visit. There is also the Kistenbosch botanical gardens and Robben Island, two ocean aquariums if you are into glimpsing wildlife and water. You will never get tired of visiting and exploring the beautiful city! If your weekends are free, you can also take trips to the wine countries like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Frankschoek.