As health authorities in Ghana are seriously working hard to improve the
health system in Ghana, so as OGVO has taking it upon ourselves to assist
with the improvement of the health services in Ghana by inviting trained and
Pre-trained, students health professionals and volunteers with the interest
across the world to come and volunteer in some of the health centers of Ghana.
Our volunteering in hospitals in Ghana placement is based in a hospital in
Kumasi and other areas in Ghana, supporting doctors and nurses as a volunteer
as they care for low-income patients. This is a fully functioning
hospital supporting a community in Ghana and like any hospital, there are
injuries, ailments and diseases presenting themselves every day. There are a
range of departments such as medical, surgical, gynaecology, surgical and the children’s
ward as well as public health and dentistry. Health care is not free in Ghana
and many patients cannot afford to pay for x-rays or medication.
In Ghana one in every 5 children die as a result of malaria, and the
economic implications are devastating to the economy. Other tropical illnesses
commonly treated are related to poor drinking water and diseases spread through
poor sanitary conditions, such as typhoid and hepatitis. Join our medical
project and experience firsthand the difficulties faced and meet some of the
amazing people trying to help make a difference to the lives of local
Ghanaians.
Why
choose this project?
As a medical volunteer there is much
work to do to provide assistance to these poorest communities from cleaning
instruments, recording patient data to participation in preventative health
care workshops. Many of the procedures and treatment may be different but this
is part of the learning process, for volunteers and their new colleagues. The
hospital highly values the contribution of volunteers particularly as they see
this as developing global citizens through knowledge exchange and working
alongside international colleagues.
Role of the volunteer
Volunteers contribute through observational work, triage tasks, taking
vitals and anthropometric measurements, treating injuries, shadowing nurses and
doctors, sitting in on surgeries, and cleaning and preparing instruments,
taking blood and educational activities. Tasks will depend on experience but
everyone will be expected to carry out some administrative work. Volunteers may
also perform other duties as needed, such as documenting translation and
categorisation of donated medications. Nurses will gladly train volunteers in
using the local equipment. Departments that you may work in include medical,
surgical, gynaecology, surgical, the x-ray unit or the children’s ward. You may
also have the opportunity to work in public health or dentistry.
Can I use this program as part of a college or university placement?
It
is certainly possible to use one of OGVO’s programs as part of your
university or college placement. Project staff can sign off any
paperwork required by your course tutors. OGVO regularly receives
medical, childcare, psychology and nursing placement students at our
projects across Ghana and we have ties with some of the leading
universities.
If you’re a course tutor and would like further
information about how one of OGVO’s programs could meet the placement
requirements for your degree course then please contact us directly.
Skills
Required
- Preferably volunteers must be studying or have finished
their course relating to health, nursing, dentistry or medicine. Flexible
attitudes, a willingness to learn and to participate wherever needed are a
must. The more you put in, the more you will get out of this amazing
placement.
- If you are a student you will be able to observe the
clinical practices; the Ghanaian healthcare system will also be explained
to you. You will always work under the direct supervision of a fully
qualified local doctor or nurse. Activities will depend on your experience
levels.
- Qualified volunteers – if you wish to practice as a
fully qualified medic you will have to pass a written Ghanaian medical
test. If you want to volunteer without sitting the test then you are more
than welcome to do so but will not be able to perform the same duties as
you do at home.
- If you are considering a career in medicine you are
welcome to join the project. Your time will be spent in an admin capacity
within a clinical setting, gaining an insight into Ghanaian health care.
You will be asked to send your
CV/resume before being accepted onto this project, as well as certifications,
transcripts and other documentation are required to enable us to establish
where you will be best placed. Your contribution and performance will also be
taken into consideration throughout your placement. Smart dress is required and
volunteers are asked to bring their own stethoscope and lab coat with them.