Medical Elective in Nepali Hospital

As UK-based final-year medical students, we worked with Volunteer World Nepal to plan this summer’s medical elective in Nepali hospital. Umesh was incredibly helpful in setting up our placement in Nepal from the very beginning. Himal taught us some simple words in Nepali when we first arrived, so we could communicate with each other during our tour. He also gave us a tour of some of Kathmandu’s most stunning cultural attractions, such as Boudhanath and the Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). We were given a tour of Volunteer World Nepal’s initiatives on Sunday.

Our cultural and linguistic training at Volunteer World Nepal was followed by our work at the hospital. Our department was a paediatric and neurosurgery hospital. Observing the parallels and discrepancies between Nepali and British healthcare was intriguing. We were made to feel really welcome by our hospital staff, and we gained a lot of knowledge while we were there. We also had the opportunity to volunteer at a nearby clinic in Kathmandu that Volunteer World Nepal arranged for us. It was a fascinating experience, particularly when considering infectious diseases.

We explored several locations in Kathmandu. We went on a group hike in a national park near Kathmandu. We travelled to Pokhara by bus after our stay in Kathmandu, which Volunteer World Nepal once more arranged for us. We saw some beautiful scenery on our little hike in Pokhara up to Australia Camp, which was arranged by Volunteer World Nepal. We strongly advise everyone visiting Nepal to make a trip to Pokhara, since it is a stunning city.

Overall, Volunteer World Nepal is an organization that we wholeheartedly endorse and would suggest to anybody considering a trip to Nepal. They are extremely well-organized and always consider what is best for their volunteers. Additionally, you can see that they have a significant influence on the community and where all of their money goes. I am grateful to Volunteer World Nepal!