Medical Volunteer Program
The Medical Volunteer Program in Madagascar is a healthcare outreach programme run by MRCI from Turtle Beach camp in Ampohana. Medical volunteers support underserved communities by working alongside locally qualified doctors, nurses and healthcare practitioners in community health clinics, mobile medical outreach and health education activities. The programme helps improve healthcare access in remote villages through patient care, health advice, sanitation education, maternal health education, disease prevention, physiotherapy, rehabilitation support, medical supply management and chronic disease support for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Volunteers must be qualified healthcare professionals or medical students in their third year of study or above. Applicants should be adaptable and comfortable working in remote, resource-limited settings. The minimum stay is 2 weeks, with 2026 costs starting from $720, including accommodation, meals and programme support. Volunteers receive a certificate after completion.
What is MRCI’s Medical Volunteer Program?
MRCI’s Medical Volunteer Program supports community healthcare delivery in remote and resource-limited areas of Madagascar. Based in Ampohana, the programme connects qualified medical volunteers and senior medical students with local healthcare professionals who understand the needs of nearby communities.
Volunteers contribute within their level of training and experience while supporting clinics, outreach visits and health education. The programme is suitable for healthcare professionals and third-year-or-above medical students who want to apply their skills responsibly in a supervised community health setting.
MRCI’s Medical Volunteer Program at a Glance
| Program Feature | Details |
| Location | Turtle Beach Camp, Ampohana, Madagascar |
| Primary Activities | Community Health Clinics, Mobile Medical Outreach, Health Education & Patient Care |
| Program Requirements | Qualified Healthcare Professionals & Medical Students (3rd Year and Above) |
| Minimum Stay | 2 Weeks |
| Starting Price | From $720.00 |
| Community Impact | Improved Healthcare Access, Medical Outreach & Community Health Education |
Medical Volunteer Program Costs
2026 Costs for Medical Volunteering
- 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
What Your Program Costs Cover
- Accommodation: Stay at our Turtle Beach camp in Ampohana in shared dormitory-style A-frame bungalows located directly on the beach.
- Three Meals Per Day: Meals are included throughout your stay and are prepared using locally sourced ingredients.
- Medical Volunteer Placement: Participate in community health clinics, mobile medical outreach programs, and health education initiatives that support underserved communities.
- Collaboration with Local Healthcare Professionals: Work alongside locally qualified doctors, nurses, and healthcare practitioners while supporting healthcare delivery in remote communities.
- Medical Outreach Opportunities: Assist with outreach visits to neighbouring villages with limited access to healthcare services.
- Program Participation & Support: Your fees contribute towards program operations, accommodation, meals, and the resources required to deliver community healthcare services.
Who Can Join MRCI’s Medical Volunteer Program?
To participate in the Medical Volunteer Program, volunteers must be qualified healthcare professionals or medical students currently in their third year of study or above.
We welcome applicants from a variety of healthcare disciplines, including:
- Doctors (General Practitioners & Specialists)
- Registered and Specialist Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Special Needs Specialists
- Public Health Experts
- Paramedics
- Medical Students (3rd Year and Above)
Medical Volunteer Program Requirements
Qualifications: Applicants should hold a valid medical qualification or be actively enrolled in a medical training program with relevant experience.
Working Environment: Volunteers should be adaptable and comfortable working in remote and resource-limited settings, where access to healthcare services and medical resources may be limited.
Language Requirements: Basic English is required. Knowledge of French or Malagasy is beneficial but not essential.
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.
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.
