Medical and Health Care

India is a highly visible example of how global markets have improved living conditions for some, while the rest of the country continues to battle extreme morbidity due to the burden of disease and shortages of food/water. Primary health care is one of the most important elements lacking in most part of the country. India’s urban cities contain destitute neighborhoods and slum areas where people do not have the economic means to visit hospitals even if they are enrolled in the health programs. Diseases such as dengue fever, hepatitis, tuberculosis, malaria and pneumonia continue to plague India due to increased resistance to drugs. India is ranked 3rd among the countries with the most number of HIV-infected. Diarrheal diseases are the primary causes of early childhood mortality. These diseases can be attributed to poor sanitation and inadequate safe drinking water in India. People suffer in backward areas, even in slum areas in cities, as there is lack of awareness and affordable basic health care facilities.

The right to health is not just access to health care and building hospitals, it extends further and includes a wide range of factors like freedom from non-consensual medical treatment, safe food, safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, health related education and gender equality. India's "massive population" has led to "overloading systems where they do exist and aiding the spread of disease in the many places they don't.

Volunteers can help by giving a helping hand to doctors and nursing staff at local health clinic or create awareness about various diseases through informal education centers and local schools.

 Volunteer’s role and tasks:

In addition to primary placements, volunteer may

-      Volunteers are invited to participate in health awareness drives which take place in slum areas and underprivileged communities. Volunteers take active part in disseminating information related to nutrition, fatal diseases, and health services available in the local health center. Volunteer educate community members about proper hygiene, Iodine deficiency disorders and healthy living practices.

-    Assist in health camps, distribute medicines, provide tips to patients on health, nutrition and sanitation or provide counseling to patients. You may provide treatment for minor injuries or wounds and document patient records.

-     Assist doctors and health workers in local health clinic in their day today work.

-     Take patients’ vitals, measuring blood pressure, temperature, height, weight, etc

-    Take part in community meetings, individual home visits, rallies, and lectures in schools, day care centers, and other public institutions.