Work in a Rural Health Clinic in the Philippines

What is the Work in a Rural Health Clinic in the Philippines project all about?

Volunteer in a rural health clinic in the Philippines and gain experience supporting a local team in a free medical care for a local community.  The clinics are supported by the government serving the impoverished of Leyte province in the Philippines. Poor people living in this developing country often receive 100 percent of their medical care from free clinics and since the devastating Typhoon Haiyan on 8th November 2013 these clinics tend to be under-resourced. An increase in poverty due to the loss of homes and livelihoods has left these clinics struggling for clinical basics as well as finding it difficult to meet the demands of their patients. Local doctors and nurses are in need of assistance to continue supplying basic medical care and education to these disadvantaged Filipino communities. Come and join the local team and work in a rural health clinic and contribute to the ongoing recovery of Tacloban and the surrounding communities.

Why choose this Work in a Rural Health Clinic project?

By volunteering, you can participate in administrative and other clinic-based duties as well as assisting local qualified staff with their duties to help reduce their workloads. Most volunteers learn quite a bit about tropical diseases and parasites, which they may not come across in their home country and will also become familiar with common diseases facing those living in poverty. Sometimes of the year are busier than others. But if you volunteer during an “off-season”, you will have the opportunity to help on other local initiatives or have some free time to explore the local area. Qualified staff can share their knowledge and skills through training local staff. All healthcare volunteers will benefit from working in a different setting with restricted resources as well as developing communication, team working and patient skills which are a great addition to any CV/Resume.

Role of the Healthcare Volunteer

Duties vary from clinic to clinic and depend on the needs at the time of your placement. You will be supervised by a locally trained medical professional and are expected to help the local team with day to day clinical duties. Volunteers will interact with patients by registering them and recording medical histories, and by taking their blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rates. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to participate in medical outreach help with vaccinations and deworming. Medical students will shadow doctors while volunteers with higher skill levels may be able to assist local doctors with treatments and procedures. All volunteers will be expected to only participate to their level of training and indemnity insurance coverage.

Volunteers may choose to organise activities based on their specialities following consultation with the project during their placement. In the past volunteers have organised first aid lectures and health awareness lessons. Experienced professionals are sought to help build the capacity of local staff through running workshops and helping with materials for community health sessions.

What skills do I need to be a Healthcare Volunteer in the Philippines?

Volunteers must be a medical student, nursing student, nurse, doctor or other specialists to be accepted onto this project. You must be willing to learn and help where needed in the clinic as part of a team. Good communication skills are required. Resilience, flexibility and an understanding that this is a challenging placement are needed. You will be asked to provide copies of your medical certificates and to have a short interview to secure your place on this project. And you will also be asked to send your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project. Please note that qualified medics are required to register their details with the Philippines Medical Council.

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