Medical and Orphanage Volunteering in India

Hi, I'm Beth, I am travelling to India during my summer holiday next August with Plan My Gap Year to volunteer in a slum medical clinic in Faridabad, near New Delhi, for 4 weeks.

In a country where diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, malaria and typhoid (to name a few) are not only present, but common, a well established and free heathcare system is essential. Sadly, while there have been some recent advantages in the Indian healthcare system, these have yet to make a significant impact on the health of Indian people. This is mainly due to the simple fact that healthcare is not affordable to many, an issue especially present in the slum communities. This is where the Echo School Slum Clinic makes it's impact. The slum clinic provides free healthcare to those in the slum community who otherwise would not be able to afford it. This care is given in two departments of the clinic; gynaecology, where women are given both healthcare and health education, and the general clinic where healthcare is provided to all and free medications are prescribed.

I wholeheartedly believe that free healthcare should be a right, and not a privilege. Unfortunately, it remains a privilege in many countries, and with the rate of poverty in India, it is not a privilege many are in receipt of. It is difficult to comprehend the idea of not being able to afford simple medicines or medical procedures for yourself or your family, but for millions of Indians it is not an idea but rather a reality. This is something I am determined to do whatever I can to help change, starting with donating my summer to volunteering in the clinic.

I also plan on doing some extra volunteering in my spare time in The Alice In Wonderland orphanage, which provides support and relief to orphaned children aged 6-15. Here my time will be spent playing with children, helping them with homework, and generally providing them with care. 7% of Indian children are orphans, and many orphanages in India lack the resources and staff to care for them. Volunteers are essential to keep the orphanages running, and I hope my time will help make a difference in the lives of the children at the Alice In Wonderland orphanage.

As I am only 16 and a student, the cost of the project is an obstacle. Therefore, I am hoping to raise £1,000 to help towards the volunteering fee, flights, visa costs etc. Any donations, no matter how big or small. would be greatly appreciated :)

Thank you so much

Beth