Volunteer at a Rural Health Clinic: Tacloban, Philippines

TYPE

DURATION

From 4 weeks

PRICE

From $960 USD

By volunteering at a health clinic, you can help augment support to understaffed and underfunded health clinics in rural towns outside Tacloban City.

This volunteer project is great for volunteers looking to experience the healthcare industry in the Philippines or looking to implement their professional medical skills in a rewarding environment.

Rural Health Unit (RHU) clinics serve as the main source of free basic healthcare for rural communities around Tacloban City.

It is at these clinics where one doctor and a handful of nurses have the sole responsibility of looking after a community of thousands of people whilst at the same time having only a limited number of resources at their disposal.

The clinics will benefit greatly from the services of volunteer medical professionals and qualified students. Volunteers who are being recruited include doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and medical and nursing  students.

Your duties will vary, depending on the qualifications of the individuals. In the past, volunteers have assisted in taking patient vitals, obtaining medical history, administering inoculations, assisting with minor surgery, helping with delivery, and conducting medical screens and exams. The services are generally provided at the clinic, although periodically outreach health services are provided to outlying areas.

Initiative is a major trait that volunteers need to posses in order to participate well in this project. Aside from the day-to-day activities in the clinics, you can also provide support to various other VFV Health related projects, such as collecting statistical support for its Nutrition Project or helping provide public health awareness seminars to various community groups.

WHY WE NEED YOU
Health care professionals unquestionably have a strong desire to help others. They work under stressful conditions, but persevere because, as they see patients improve or maintain wellness, they know they are making a difference.

The health care professionals at this rural medical clinic are making a tremendous difference in the lives of their patients. However, because of understaffing and underfunding, they are unable to adequately address the medical needs of the community. You will see for yourself how short-handed they are, and you will know from the very start that you are in a position to make a valuable contribution.

By volunteering at this site, individuals embarking on a career in health care will be able to gain valuable experience in their chosen fields. Established professionals will have the opportunity to share their knowledge and skills whilst learning about health care conditions in a developing country. Many previous volunteers have said that this placement was an eye-opening experience that has not only given them a new perspective of their profession, but also of their own lives.