Video: VPWA Medical Volunteers
VPWA offers volunteers an opportunity to support local doctors and nurses at a medical practice in Ghana. The work ranges from observing doctors to basic assistance, depending on your level of knowledge, experience and skill.
Access to basic healthcare is one of the most challenging issues that low-income populations face. Community level intervention and health clinics offer services to local families at minimal or no cost. With the introduction of a medical insurance in Ghana, attendance at these healthcare facilities has rocketed making additional support from volunteers indispensable.
Working on health projects offers a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to become familiar with the health challenges facing developing countries.
Working conditions are likely be quite different from those you are accustomed to. Medical equipment is often basic and the quantity and variety of medicines can be very limited.
Volunteers can help the centres by recording patient attendance, patient history, temperatures, performing patient examinations, providing pre-natal care, assisting in deliveries and educating patents and community groups on how to help prevent the diseases that most affect them.
People applying to be a health volunteer must be professionals in this field or alternatively students currently studying courses related to medicine. 
If you planning to study medicine and want to gain some field experience, you can also apply for this position, although you must demonstrate strong commitment and competence.
Services provided by the local hospitals and clinics include the following;
- General Health Consulting
- Child Welfare Clinic
- Surgical Care
- Family Planning
- Nutritional Care
- Cervix Care
- Community Psychiatric clinic
- Anti-Natal and Post-Natal Care.
- Dental Clinic
There are also eight satellite community clinics within our programme which offer general health care. Most volunteers are likely to work within
these centres. On arrival in Ghana and after orientation by the Health Directorate, volunteers are dispersed to work in the communities within which their peculiar interest lies and where their skills are most needed.
Volunteer requirements - At least age 18 (no maximum age limit);
- Good English
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong commitment to values and principles of volunteerism
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
- Ability to adjust to difficult living and working conditions
 Further details Project duration | Minimum stay of 4 weeks | Dates | You can volunteer at any time throughout the year | Cost of living | Refer to Living Conditions and Cost €400/mth. Visit www.xe.com for current exchange rate in your local currency | Deposit | Half of total cost of proposed stay (included in total price) | Location | GA West Municipality in Greater Accra | Nearest airport | Accra Airport (ACC) - (also known as Kotoka International Airport) |
What’s included in the project fees? - Accommodation
- Meal(Dinner)
What’s not included? - Flights & Visa
- Vaccinations (please speak to your local GP)
- Insurance (required)
Accommodation: Volunteers working on VPWA projects live in Greater Accra and Eastern Region. Please confirm your project location with our coordinator. Volunteers live in shared rooms. Couples are adviced to inform us if they wish to share a room in advance. The rooms have comfortable beds with pillows and covers, so there is no need to bring sleeping bags. The volunteer apartment has a kitchen with fridge, as well as toilet and shower facilities. VPWA do not charge to provide below service - Application processing, interviews, pre-departure information and administrative works prior to arrival.
- Placement
- 24/7 emergency support
- Orientation prior to beginning of work
- Airport pick-up only
The following services may also be offered based on availability - Basic TWI language orientation
- Mobile phone SIM card number sent to you ahead of departure, so that you can inform family and friend’s your number in Ghana
- Internet use at VPWA operational head office
- Certificate of Recognition given to hardworking volunteers, as well as the opportunity to serve as VPWA ambassador in your city, college or community
Health and Safety Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. In the Global Peace Index it is ranked above both the United Kingdom and the US. It provides a perfect introduction for first time volunteers to Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. Our team will ensure your health and safety at all times and you'll have emergency support 24/7. Flights Volunteers must arrange their own flights to Accra Airport (ACC). Please be aware that you should communicate your arrival date and time to Volunteer Coordinator. The following airlines fly into Accra: Visa You must obtain a volunteer visa for travel to Ghana. Once you have secured your place on the project and made a deposit. We will then send you a letter confirming your placement which you can use for your visa application.
Health Volunteer Reports
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Lucia, Laura,Marina(from Spain)Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Amanase Local Clinic Report
Amanase clinic can be a fructiferous chance for medical students.
Being in our fifth year in med school has been a crucial advantage. We saw many malaria cases, pregnancy checks and minor injuries, and at the same time we took part in Ghanaian medical system.
The only thing we would like to highlight is that we believe is necessary to have a high English level. We found hard to understand most of the technical words and the language barrier has been an obstacle sometimes impossible to overcome.
Nevertheless, we consider this a unique experience in the health field and would recommend it to anyone related to medical studies.
Posted Oct 27, 2010 11:15 AM by VPWA Ghana
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Josephine Morley - UK
Report: VPWA placement at Asuboi Health Clinic – 11/08/2010 – 9/09/2010
My reasons for doing a placement at a health clinic in Ghana this summer was to gain experience in the medical field, and an insight into the health service available in a country other than my own. All of this I have been able to achieve at my placement at Asuboi Health Clinic.
I visited the Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District Headquarters to meet the Director. After a discussion about my intentions it was chosen that I would attend Asuboi Health Clinic for my 5 week placement. One my first day at the placement, I received a warm welcome from all the health care workers at the clinic ...
Posted Oct 27, 2010 11:29 AM by VPWA Ghana
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Sylvia H Goodrick-Biomedical Sciences student at University College London
REPORT: 1st-29th September observation placement at Amanase CHPS Clinic, district of Suhum
Volunteer details: Sylvia H Goodrick, , Angloitalian
Volunteer for VPWA
Biomedical Sciences student at University College London,
Point of reference: Simon Borbi, Amanase Action Youth Club
During my one month placement at Amanase CHPS clinic, I had the opportunity to observe the work of a very well prepared and dedicated staff. My long term aim is to become a medical doctor and the dedication and professionalism of the Amanase Clinic staff has confirmed this ambition of mine.
I was very impressed and humbled by the amount of work that the midwife, , the nurses, carry out every day.
The clinic opens at 8 am every day, but ...
Posted Oct 26, 2010 3:34 PM by VPWA Ghana
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Kimberly Daley- Duquesne University, USA
Health Project Report
I spent ten weeks working and observing medical procedures and occurrences in Ga West Municipal Hospital located in Amasaman. Through the duration of my stay, I worked in the Out Patient Department, Ante-Natal Department, Labor Ward, Gynecology Ward, Child Welfare Clinic, Buruli Ward, Theatre, Ear/Nose/Throat Department, Eye Department, Dental Department, Family Planning Department, and Laboratory. As a premedical student, I was given the opportunity to observe and interact with patients in a way I never would have been able to elsewhere. Each department and ward taught me much about Ghana’s Health Care system, the diseases and health complications that afflict the residents of Ghana, and much about the happenings of hospitals in general ...
Posted Oct 27, 2010 11:33 AM by VPWA Ghana
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Catherine Jones - Australia
Firstly, can I just say that to really get the most from any volunteering experience, I think you need to stay for a minimum of 6 weeks-2 months. Coming to another country for 2 weeks isn’t enough to even let your feet hit the ground (and the amount of work involved for an NGO to coordinate your visit...eek!). In a month you can definitely achieve something, so it’s better than nothing, but be aware you won’t really have made a home for yourself here and by the time the culture shock wears off you’re heading home again...
Secondly, if you get the opportunity to work in a rural setting in Ghana – go for it ...
Posted Oct 26, 2010 3:27 PM by VPWA Ghana
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