Medical Volunteer Program
Medical Volunteer Program in Madagascar
Join MRCI’s Medical Volunteer Program and contribute to improving healthcare access in Madagascar. Based at our Turtle Beach camp in Ampohana. This program provides crucial medical care, specialized treatments, and essential medications to local communities with limited healthcare access.
As a medical volunteer, you will work alongside locally qualified medical practitioners, support community health clinics, and participate in mobile medical outreach efforts to reach even the most remote populations. Whether you are a medical professional or a medical student, this medical volunteering opportunity allows you to apply your skills while gaining meaningful hands-on experience in an extraordinary setting.
Who can join the medical volunteer program?
We welcome qualified healthcare professionals and medical students (3rd year and above) from various medical fields, including:
- Doctors (General Practitioners & Specialists)
- Nurses (Registered & Specialist Nurses)
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Special Needs Specialists
- Public Health Experts
- Paramedics
- Medical Students (3rd year and above)
Applicants should have a valid medical qualification or be actively enrolled in a medical program with relevant experience. Volunteers must be adaptable to working in remote and resource-limited settings, common in many medical volunteer opportunities abroad. This ensures every medical assistant volunteer contributes effectively to community health initiatives.
Medical Volunteer Opportunities and Roles
Volunteers participating in this Medical Volunteer Program engage in a variety of impactful activities, including:
- Assisting in community health clinics as a clinic volunteer, diagnosing and treating patients, administering medications, and delivering essential health advice.
- Joining mobile medical outreach to visit neighbouring villages with limited healthcare access.
- Collaborating with local health centres, working alongside doctors and nurses to improve healthcare delivery.
- Leading health education workshops on sanitation, maternal health, and disease prevention.
- Providing physiotherapy and rehabilitation support to individuals in need.
- Managing medical supplies by assessing, organizing, and distributing essential medications and first aid materials.
- Supporting chronic disease management, including ongoing care and education for illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
These medical volunteering roles offer diverse and meaningful ways for medical volunteers to make a tangible difference in Madagascar.
Living Conditions & What to Expect:
Volunteers will be based at our Turtle Beach camp in Ampohana on the mainland, which is approximately a 1-hour boat trip from Nosy Be. The accommodation will be provided in shared dormitory-style A-frame bungalows on the beach.
Meals are included and consist of locally sourced ingredients. Volunteers should expect basic but comfortable living conditions, with access to clean water and communal areas. Due to the remote location, internet and power are limited, providing an immersive experience for medical assistant volunteers.
Program Duration & Requirements
- Minimum commitment: 2 weeks
- Recommended duration:
- 4 weeks or more for a fully immersive medical volunteer abroad experience
- Location: Turtle Beach camp, Ampohana, Madagascar
- Language: Basic English required, knowledge of French/Malagasy is a plus
Program Costs
Start Dates:
All Year Round / Every first & third Monday of the month. Program fees include participation in the program as well as meals and accommodation at our camp.
- 1 Week - $720.00
- 2 Weeks - $995.00
- 3 Weeks - $1,270.00
- 4 Weeks - $1,545.00
- 5 Weeks - $1,820.00
- 6 Weeks - $2,095.00
- 7 Weeks - $2,370.00
- 8 Weeks - $2,645.00
- 9 Weeks - $2,920.00
- 10 Weeks - $3,195.00
- 11 Weeks - $3,470.00
- 12 Weeks - $3,745.00
Frequently Asked Questions
What challenges might I face as a medical volunteer in Madagascar?
Volunteers should be prepared for limited resources, basic living conditions, and potential language barriers.
What is a medical volunteer?
A medical volunteer is an individual who contributes their skills and time to support healthcare delivery through programs such as MRCI’s Medical Assistance Program. Volunteers may assist in clinics, mobile medical outreach, health education initiatives, or patient care activities.
Can medical students join the program?
Yes. Medical students in their 3rd year or above can participate as medical volunteers, helping in clinics, mobile outreach, and health education under supervision.
How many hours will I work each day?
Volunteers usually work 4–6 hours a day. This allows enough time for hands-on experience while leaving evenings and weekends free for rest or exploration.
Is volunteering abroad helpful for medical school?
Yes. Medical volunteering abroad gives you practical experience in real healthcare settings, including resource-limited areas. It also looks great on a CV and helps you prepare for your future medical career.
Can I get a reference or certificate for volunteering?
Yes. MRCI provides a certificate or reference letter confirming your role as a medical assistant volunteer, including the skills and tasks you completed.
What vaccinations should I have before traveling?
Madagascar does not require any vaccinations to enter the country. Commonly recommended vaccinations for Madagascar include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Malaria prevention medication is also advised. Always check with your doctor or a travel clinic before booking flights.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. All volunteers must have health and travel insurance that covers illness, accidents, and medical evacuation while participating in medical volunteering in Madagascar.
Does MRCI help with the visa?
Yes. MRCI guides on getting a tourist visa for Madagascar so you can legally take part in medical volunteering.
How long does it take to become a volunteer, and what is the process?
The process usually takes 2–4 weeks. You apply, proof of medical qualification or enrollment, a CV, and a program agreement. Once accepted, you get guidance on travel, vaccinations, and preparation.
Will I get orientation and training?
Yes. All clinic volunteers get an orientation and on-site training to help them understand how clinics work and how to safely assist patients.
What are the living conditions like?
Volunteers stay at Turtle Beach Camp in Ampohana, in shared dorm-style bungalows. Meals are included. Facilities are basic but safe and comfortable, giving you a good base while you focus on medical assistant volunteer work.
Apply Today
Ready to embark on your volunteer journey? Interested participants should submit an online application including their CV and medical qualifications or student verification.
Contact us today to learn more and take your first step toward making a lasting impact.
