Medical Electives in Sri Lanka and Medical Volunteering

Ceylon, Teardrop of India and the Pearl of the Orient – do your medical electives in Sri Lanka and enjoy immense beauty.  Explore the rolling tea plantations and national parks with exotic wildlife.

This is a country that is moving on after the tragedy of the tsunami, but nonetheless offers many smiling faces, friendly people and delicious food. Our medical electives in Sri Lanka are based about 2 hours south of Colombo, in the area around Galle.

Medical Electives in Sri Lanka and Healthcare Volunteer Placements

The medical electives in Sri Lanka and healthcare volunteer placements are based at a large public, teaching hospital with 400 doctors, 750 nursing staff and over 1600 beds. It is the largest tertiary care centre in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Departments include surgery, ophthalmology, paediatric, psychiatric, cardiology, oncology, orthopaedic, neurology, ENT, dermatology, physiotherapy, radiology, and Emergency. Hospital conditions are relatively good for a developing country however there is frequently a shortage of beds. One entire wing of the hospital is allocated to treatment of patients with cancer.

Call or email now to register your interest for exciting and rewarding medical electives in Sri Lanka

(Forward your completed Volunteer Application Form so that we can hold your place)

The medical electives in Sri Lanka are ideal for all medical and healthcare students and electives can be tailored to reflect your preferences, skills and experience.   Medical students can shadow the consultants and senior doctors and join in the ward rounds, OPD clinics, operating theatre and surgical procedures.  Available areas include neuro surgery and surgical oncology.   Less experienced students can observe and shadow in the busy emergency unit.  O&G Placements are also available in the nearby maternity hospital.  We ask students to remain proactive and flexible.

The hospital is open 24 /7 however students are expected to work from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm with a one hour lunch break (usually 12 noon to 1:00 pm). As with any rotation, attendance at morning rounds, conferences, and clinics is recommended. Conservative dress, appearing neat, clean and professional is always appreciated. Please take a stethoscope and a copy of your CV for the staff in Sri Lanka.

You may also volunteer to perform health check-ups on students at the local school, orphanages, disabled community centre and senior citizens at an aged care facility.  Local nursing students also appreciate your assistance with their English lessons – particularly with medical terminology!  Please remain flexible and use initiative in order to get the most out of this placement.

Other Volunteer Programs

Your specific work program will vary depending on the time of your visit and any personal interest or experience, but with a little flexibility and enthusiasm you are sure to have a wonderful experience. Upon arrival in Sri Lanka your local coordinator will discuss the projects with you and prepare your weekly schedule.  The range of activities includes:

Teaching
Placements are located in local primary schools where demand for English teachers is overwhelming. The majority of schoolchildren speak Sinhalese and, despite English being regularly heard through music and films, Sri Lankan children have very little opportunity to practise speaking the language. Help is needed to develop their confidence, increase their fluency and practise their pronunciation as well as help with their reading, writing, maths, science, art, crafts and/or sports.   Make a difference to the lives of the children by helping them gain an education.  No formal qualifications are required and we can provide some suggested activities for the classroom.

Orphanages and Elderly People’s Homes

At both of these projects, there are a growing number of people who need extra care and appreciate some attention.  The children may be from an underprivileged background and need support and stability. Involve yourself in teaching, games, workshops and reading with both the young and the elderly.

Women’s Shelter work

The women’s shelter option is for female volunteers only and has been established to provide support and guidance to women who have suffered from domestic violence, as well as being a safe refuge where women can share experiences and rebuild their confidence. Working for this very worthwhile cause can be incredibly rewarding and encourages you to use your creative side to build bonds and engage with the women.

Disabled Community Centre

The Centre provides support for children with disabilities to help them develop their educational, social and life skills.  Vocational training is also provided to assist the vulnerable and marginalised members of the community to make handicrafts and sell them through various outlets.  Get involved with a range of activities including art, crafts, singing and taking care of the children.  Help with their physio treatments, exercises and games to help improve the lives of these people.

Arrival and Orientation

On arrival at Colombo Airport you will be met and transferred to your accommodation, where you will be based for the duration of your stay. Your accommodation will be in a local home stay, the perfect way for you to learn about the Sri Lankan culture and experience the Sri Lankan way of life. Your air-conditioned accommodation is clean, secure and comfortable. You may be sharing a room with fellow students and will have an ensuite bathroom.

Three meals a day are included as well as bottled water, tea and coffee. Meals will be typical of Sri Lanka’s cuisine, mainly consisting of steamed rice served with curry made with meat, fish or vegetable, and even fruit, often using coconut milk. A typical meal consists of a ‘main curry’, as well as several other curries made with vegetables, lentils and side dishes such as pickles and chutneys. Vegetarians are well catered for. Free WiFi is available.

WHEN TO VISIT:

Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 29°C. January is the driest month and the highlands are generally cooler than the flatter areas. May and October/November are the wettest months with a regular tropical downpour.

COSTS:

• 2 week program = AUD 2,390
• 3 week program = AUD 3,095
• 4 week program = AUD 3,695
• 6 week program = AUD 4,995
• 8 week program = AUD 6,295

Other durations are available – please ask for details.

INCLUSIONS: Airport transfers, Arrival induction and orientation, Accommodation in clean and comfortable home stay with fans, air-conditioning and WiFi, all meals with bottled water, tea and coffee, 24/7 Local in country ground support, Hospital registration fee and Medical Supervisor.  DocTours t-shirt and personalised luggage label.

EXCLUSIONS: Drinks, Items of a personal nature (ie laundry, telephone etc.), Travel Insurance, Passport, Visa fees, Vaccinations and International Flights (and taxes).

DEPOSIT: A deposit of A$495 will be requested after your placement is confirmed.  This deposit is non-refundable.

FINAL PAYMENT: Final payment is due two months prior to departure.

FLIGHTS:  Flights to Colombo include Air Lanka, Singapore Airlines, Thai, Emirates, Air Asia and Malaysian Airlines.

VISAS & PASSPORT: All foreign nationals travelling to Sri Lanka are required to apply for online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure to Sri Lanka by logging on to www.eta.gov.lk website. Please let us know if you need any advice or assistance with your visa. Passports must be valid for six months after you return home.

INSURANCE: It is a condition of your travel arrangements that you have current travel insurance to cover against cancellation fees, medical expenses (including Covid cover), lost luggage and evacuation. We recommend that volunteers advise their student or professional indemnity provider of their medical electives in Sri Lanka in advance of travel.

CANCELLATION FEES: Please refer our Terms & Conditions. Deposits are non-refundable once your arrangements have been confirmed. Please note that all costs are subject to change due to airline increases, taxes, hotel and volunteer price increases, as well as currency adjustments.