I gained the ability to improve my medical skills, having the possibility to help people in the slum with particular needs. I also had the opportunity to conform to a new environment, where I faced different realities.
Medical Outreach Campaign in India - Delhi
Purpose
Improve access to quality healthcare
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-2 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Volunteer house or homestay
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Pre-medical, medical and nursing students through to qualified professionals who want to make an impact for local communities. The campaign can be customized to your group’s level of experience and expertise.
Project details
Part of a group that wants to volunteer on a Medical Campaign in India - Delhi? International Volunteer HQ’s Medical Campaign is a tailored experience that enables groups of eight or more medical students at any level of training, or professionals, to do outreach work in communities in and around Delhi. Volunteers will visit a number of different neighbourhoods throughout the week-long campaign, providing basic health services to those who need better access to them.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Healthcare in India is often inaccessible to those who live in disadvantaged communities outside of the city centers. Volunteers can help local people get the care, treatment and education they need by taking it to them in their own neighbourhoods.
As a Medical Campaign volunteer you and your group will visit up to five communities throughout the week and provide basic health services. If your group has a particular medical specialty, then your campaign can be tailored to provide these.
When you volunteer on a Medical Campaign in Delhi you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping disadvantaged communities access healthcare
- Gaining medical experience
- Volunteering with friends, classmates or colleagues
- Growing as a team
- Developing your communication skills
- Immersing yourself in Indian culture
- Exploring the neighbourhoods of Delhi
Medical specialties on the India- Delhi volunteer project
Medical campaigns can be customized for the following specialties:
- Dentistry
- Physical therapy
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
- General Medicine
Volunteer requirements
- To take part in a Medical Campaign you’ll all need to be pre-medical, pre-nursing, medical or nursing students or qualified professionals.
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
- All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
India photo gallery
IVHQ Teaching English project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Health project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Childcare project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Teaching English project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Childcare project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Health project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Childcare project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Teaching English project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Childcare project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Health project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Health project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Childcare project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Health project in Delhi, India
IVHQ volunteer traveling to their project in Delhi
IVHQ volunteer orientation in Delhi
IVHQ volunteer orientation in Delhi
IVHQ volunteer orientation in Delhi
Exploring Humayun's Tomb during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Delhi during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Delhi during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Delhi during an IVHQ weekend
IVHQ volunteers in Delhi
Exploring Delhi during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Delhi during an IVHQ weekend
IVHQ volunteers in Delhi
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
GM
Giorgia Mazzola
05 Nov 2024
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AC
Apolline Charpentier
25 Jul 2024
This is the second time I have travelled with IVHQ, New Delhi India in 2024 and Kochi India in 2023. Each time, my IVHQ Program Manager was very helpful and supportive so thank you! I felt that volunteering in the slum clinic was very impactful. I discovered New Delhi and the Indian culture, learnt so much on a medical aspect and met so many lovely people (both the locals and the other volunteers). I would highly recommend IVHQ to have a fabulous and impacting experience in complete safety.
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BB
Beatrice Burke
15 Jul 2024
I cannot put my experience into words. But it was the best experience I have had in my life. I loved it, I gained a lot of hands-on skills that have been transferable to the UK. I felt safe, welcomed and valued. I would suggest going with an open mind, ready to learn.
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EV
Emma Valcourt Landry
12 Jun 2024
Volunteering in India was one of the best experiences of my life. The local team was incredibly welcoming and ready to help at all times. The clinic where I helped out was surrounded by a loving community that made for an unforgettable trip, thank you IVHQ!
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LG
Lukas Greyson
01 Apr 2024
I have been extremely happy with the ease of scheduling, booking and correspondence with IVHQ and the local team. They were beyond accommodating, friendly and helpful. The intro week also gave me a sense of comfort and understanding of India. The means were the absolute best Indian food I’ve ever had! All 3 meals were delicious and traditional - I will miss those meals greatly! I miss everything about my program and miss India immensely!
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LP
Lalita Prasad-Reddy
17 Apr 2023
The medical mission trip organized through IVHQ was absolutely amazing. Having the chance to go to India and provide healthcare to communities in need was an eye-opening and fulfilling experience. We were able to provide blood glucose and blood pressure screenings and triage general ailments. We also were fortunate to be able to donate many supplies to hundreds of people during our time there. Learning about the culture and seeing the health disparities firsthand gives you a greater appreciation of just how valuable volunteering efforts across the world can be. After this trip, I definitely plan to stay engaged with future volunteering efforts abroad.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Delhi is home to India’s capital city, New Delhi. The city and surrounding National Capital Region are home to 46 million people in a number of cities and towns. One of these is Faridabad, where many of IVHQ’s India - Delhi projects are based. With more than 1.4 million people, Faridabad is the biggest city in the state of Haryana and part of one of the fastest growing places in the world. This means lower-income communities and slums are becoming more overcrowded and resources more stretched. Volunteers can help local initiatives that aim to address some of these issues, making life better for the people who live there.
If you’re planning to volunteer in India over the summer between April and July, it is important to consider the climate in Delhi. You’ll be in your element if you like it hot, but some past volunteers have found the heat and humidity were more extreme than they were expecting and often there is no air conditioning at placements. If you are looking for a more temperate destination, the IVHQ India - Kerala volunteer program is a great option. Located in southern India, volunteers can expect a more tropical climate throughout the year.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Delhi on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the New Delhi International Airport (DEL). Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Faridabad, on the southern outskirts of Delhi. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in India prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Delhi on the day before your program orientation.
There are two options for orientation in India:
Half-day Orientation:
This covers everything you need to know for your volunteer project and stay in India. You will have an introduction to the IVHQ India - Delhi program, your project and the local staff, Indian customs, rules, expectations, and safety.
1-week Language and Introduction Week:
A week-long orientation which not only teaches you everything you need to know for your volunteer project, but also gives you detailed information about life in India, basic Hindi language lessons, tours, entertainment and sightseeing including the chance to visit the Taj Mahal. This week is popular with volunteers and is a great way to settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in India.
The fee for this longer orientation is CA$366 and takes place in the first week of your program. Accommodation and three meals per day are covered during this time. The Taj Mahal Tour costs an extra CA$178. If you want to join the 1-week Language and Introduction Week, please indicate this on your application form.
Volunteer schedule example
First day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that the volunteer is working at, but a typical volunteer day would be:
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. |
| 12:00 - 2:00 PM | Lunch break either at the placement or the volunteer accommodation. |
| 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer accommodation, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. |
| 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer accommodation. |
Weekends
During the weekends, volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Delhi’s numerous street markets, malls and museums, or discover ancient temples, important religious sites and beautifully curated gardens. You can also travel further afield to destinations such as Agra, where you can see the Taj Mahal; or admire the rose-hued buildings in the Pink City of Jaipur. Volunteers can make travel arrangements after arriving in Delhi, however if you are planning a long weekend trip during your time in India, it is a good idea to look into train tickets in advance and visit a travel agent to discuss travel options.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll stay in a volunteer house outside of central Delhi, in Faridabad, where you can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers of the same gender. While bedding is provided, it is recommended that volunteers bring their own sleeping bag for the winter months of November through February.
Living is comfortable and all accommodation has electricity, WiFi, fans, shared western toilets and running water. The volunteer house has heated water for showers, a dining area and kitchen facilities. It is located in a gated apartment block within Faridabad and volunteers are provided with transport to and from their placement and accommodation each day.
Volunteers may request homestay accommodation or a private room within the volunteer house and both options are dependent on availability at the time. There is an additional fee of US$93 (approximately CA$135) per week for a private room which can be booked and paid for via your Pre-departure Checklist once you have registered. Families will typically be accommodated in homestays, and on some placements on the Medical project volunteers may also be in a homestay.
Meals
Volunteers on the India - Delhi program are provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner, which are all served at the volunteer accommodation.
Toast, eggs, spreads, fruit and tea are served for breakfast. Typical Indian food served for lunch and dinner include chapati, a flat wheat bread; dahl, a lentil soup; curry; paneer; vegetables and salads. Meat is rarely eaten in India, except on festive occasions so you can expect all meals to be vegetarian.
India is home to a great variety of teas and you are sure to be served an authentic home brew of chai tea during your stay. Bottled water is readily available in India and volunteers should budget approximately CA$7 per week for 2 liters per day.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply so as we can discuss this with you further. As you will be living and volunteering abroad, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home; however, the local team will do their best to ensure you are well taken care of. It’s important that you come to India with an open mind and understand that there is a need to be flexible when it comes to meals. If you wish to supplement some of your meals with home comforts, there are basic kitchen facilities available to use.
Typical volunteer bedroom in Delhi
Typical volunteer bedroom in Delhi
Typical volunteer bedroom in Delhi
Typical volunteer bedroom in Delhi
Typical volunteer lunch in Delhi
Typical volunteer lunch in Delhi
Typical volunteer lunch in Delhi
IVHQ volunteers share a meal in Delhi
IVHQ volunteer eats a meal in Delhi
Typical volunteer dinner in Delhi
Typical volunteer breakfast in Delhi
Typical volunteer breakfast in Delhi
Typical volunteer breakfast in Delhi
IVHQ volunteers share a meal in Delhi
IVHQ volunteers serve a meal in Delhi
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately CA$436), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$436) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
The Medical Campaign program fee is CA$657 per person for the week, and includes 24/7 support, accommodation, meals, airport transfers, Medical Campaign, private transportation to placement daily, language translators, program orientation and discounts on language lessons. All programs attract a Registration Fee (from US$299) on top of the Program Fee. A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Delhi
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Delhi program.
Airport Drop-off
Experience a hassle-free journey from your volunteer placement in Delhi to New Delhi International Airport (DEL) with the convenience of our local team’s coordination.
CA$51
Taj Mahal Visit (1 day)
If seeing the iconic Taj Mahal is on your bucket list, this visit is your dream come true.
CA$178
Extra Night of Accommodation
Planning to arrive ahead of schedule or extend your stay after your program ends? Book your additional nights of lodging.
From CA$32
Check what's required to visit India
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | New Delhi |
| Population | 1.366 billion |
| Languages | Hindi, English |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:30 |
Weather and climate
India is subject to six different climates and can be loosely characterized by four seasons; winter, summer, monsoon, and a post-monsoon period. Delhi experiences intense heat during the summer months (April to June) and temperatures can reach 45°C (114°F) during heat waves from the south. Dust storms are common during summer months. Following the dry summer, there is a period of monsoon weather from late June until September bringing heavy rain and average temperatures of 29°C (85°F). As winds from the Himalayas descend from November, winter in Delhi begins and average temperatures will sit around 12°C to 13°C (54°F to 55°F) until February. Heavy fog is typical during the winter.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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