Program
Description
Step into the heart of Tanzania's healthcare system and experience real-world medical practice in a dynamic, high-volume hospital environment. Our Medical Care & Emergency Department Program places you on the frontlines of patient care, where you'll work alongside experienced healthcare professionals in both the Emergency Department and Outpatient Department (OPD). This isn't theoretical learning – it's hands-on experience managing the diverse medical challenges that shape healthcare delivery in East Africa.
You'll be serving patients from across Arusha and surrounding regions – from young children with fevers and infections to adults seeking routine check-ups and emergency care. These are real people facing genuine health challenges, often with limited access to quality medical services. Your presence and expertise directly impact their care and outcomes.
Tanzania's healthcare system faces significant pressure, particularly in high-volume departments like the OPD and Emergency Department. Limited resources, high patient loads, and the need for efficient, compassionate care create an environment where every extra pair of skilled hands makes a measurable difference. Patients often wait in long queues, and healthcare staff are stretched thin managing everything from minor ailments to serious emergencies.
The standard of Medical Care provided in Tanzania is also often very low, and the heart of our mission and vision as an organisation is to have people working alongside one another sharing skills, knowledge and ideas.
A typical
Day in the Life
After breakfast at the hostel, you will head to the hospital around 8am, to start the day with initial patient rounds. Working through to midday, you will assist across both Emergency and OPD, depending on the needs. After a break for lunch, you will either continue your daily duties, or head home for the afternoon if preffered.
We work directly with the hospital to integrate qualified volunteers into their existing medical teams. Rather than creating separate volunteer programs, we ensure you're genuinely contributing to patient care while learning from experienced local healthcare professionals. This direct partnership means your work has immediate, tangible impact on the hospital's capacity and patient outcomes.
Your Role & Hands-On Activities:
Patient Assessments: Assist with initial patient evaluations, taking vital signs, and documenting patient histories
Diagnosis Support: Observe and participate in diagnostic processes under supervision of qualified medical staff
Routine Check-ups: Help conduct routine health examinations and basic health screenings
Minor Treatments: Assist with minor wound care, dressing changes, and basic treatment procedures
Patient Referrals: Support the referral process for patients requiring specialist care
Emergency Response: Work in the Emergency Department, assisting with acute patient care and emergency situations
Patient Education: Provide health education and guidance to patients about their conditions and treatment
Program Inclusions
Before and During your Program
Airport Pick up (Kilimanjaro Airport)
Accommodation
Breakfast and Dinner Daily
Orientation & Town Tour
Pre-Departure Support and Trip Planning
24/7 Program Support
Your Arusha Accommodation
2 Week Minimum
$315 Per Week
Fully Flexible
This program has a 2-week minimum requirement
All Medical programs in Tanzania have a fee of just $315 per week to cover your living expenses and the Hospital Fees whilst volunteering
All bookings are fully flexible and you can shift programs or dates as needed - so no need to worry if the unexpected happens!
