About The Placement
Our
Health Internship Programme takes place at Nkwatia Government Hospital, a
busy district hospital serving thousands of people from Nkwatia and the
surrounding communities.
This placement is
designed specifically for medical, nursing, physician associate,
paramedic, physiotherapy, public health and other healthcare students or
qualified healthcare professionals seeking valuable international
clinical exposure. It is important to understand that this is a strictly
hands-off observational placement. Interns do not diagnose patients,
perform medical procedures, administer medication, or provide
independent clinical care. Instead, you will shadow experienced
healthcare professionals, observe patient care, and gain insight into
healthcare delivery within a Ghanaian hospital setting.
The
hospital includes a variety of departments, allowing interns to observe
different aspects of patient care depending on daily hospital activity.
Every day presents new learning opportunities as you witness how
doctors and nurses work together to provide care despite limited
resources and high patient numbers.
This
placement focuses on observation, learning and cultural exchange rather
than clinical practice, making it ideal for students looking to broaden
their understanding of medicine in a global healthcare setting.
Why This Placement Matters
Healthcare
professionals at Nkwatia Government Hospital work tirelessly to meet
the needs of a large population. Like many hospitals in underserved
communities, patient numbers frequently exceed available resources,
creating an incredibly busy working environment for doctors and nurses.
While
interns are not involved in direct patient treatment, having additional
observers within the hospital can still provide valuable support. Your
presence allows medical staff to explain procedures, discuss cases, and
share knowledge with future healthcare professionals while continuing
their daily work.
By joining this placement, you help to:
Support healthcare professionals in underserved communities through observation and engagement.
Gain first-hand insight into healthcare delivery within a resource-limited environment.
Develop a broader understanding of global medicine and public health.
Learn from experienced Ghanaian doctors and nurses while building meaningful professional relationships.
Throughout
your internship, you'll gain an appreciation for the challenges and
successes of healthcare delivery in Ghana. Observing medicine in a
different cultural and economic setting encourages a greater
understanding of adaptability, teamwork, communication, and
patient-centred care.
Rather than replacing
local healthcare workers, interns become respectful observers who learn
from experienced professionals while bringing enthusiasm, curiosity and
an international perspective to the hospital environment.
Getting to Your Placement
Nkwatia Government Hospital is located in the neighbouring town, making it easily accessible from our volunteer house.
Health
interns generally travel together using shared local taxis, which are
affordable and readily available. Our local team will show you the route
during your orientation and provide guidance on transport costs,
timings, and travelling safely.
After your
placement each day, you can easily return to the volunteer house, visit
local markets, meet fellow volunteers or simply relax before dinner.
Your Role
During
your induction, we will discuss your academic background, medical
interests and learning goals so we can help you make the most of your
placement.
As this is an observational
internship, your role is centred around learning rather than clinical
practice. Every day is different depending on hospital admissions,
patient numbers and departmental activity.
Your placement may include:
Clinical
Observation – Shadowing doctors and nurses during consultations, ward
rounds and patient care to gain insight into everyday clinical practice.
Departmental
Rotations – Observing different areas of the hospital where available,
allowing you to experience a variety of healthcare settings and medical
specialities.
Case Discussions – Learning
from healthcare professionals as they explain diagnoses, treatment plans
and clinical decision-making whenever appropriate and time allows.
Healthcare
Systems Insight – Developing an understanding of how healthcare is
delivered within a district hospital, including the challenges of
working with limited resources while providing quality patient care.
Although
this is a non-clinical placement, you will gain valuable insight into
the realities of practising medicine in a developing healthcare system.
You are encouraged to ask respectful questions when appropriate and take
time to reflect on your observations each day.
Many
previous interns describe the placement as an eye-opening experience
that broadens both their medical knowledge and appreciation of global
healthcare.
Working Relationships
Building
meaningful relationships is an important part of this placement.
Although your role is observational, you will become part of the
hospital community and work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals
throughout your internship.
With Local
Doctors & Nurses – You will shadow experienced healthcare
professionals who become your primary mentors during your placement.
They will share their knowledge, explain medical cases where
appropriate, and help you gain a deeper understanding of healthcare in
Ghana.
With Hospital Staff – Beyond doctors
and nurses, you'll meet laboratory staff, administrative teams and
other healthcare workers who all contribute to patient care. This
provides a broader understanding of how a hospital functions as a team.
With
Patients – While your role is observational, you will encounter many
patients throughout your placement. Treating everyone with kindness,
empathy, confidentiality and respect is essential at all times.
With
Other Health Interns – Interns often travel to the hospital together
and share their experiences throughout the programme. Learning alongside
fellow healthcare students creates a supportive environment where ideas
and observations can be discussed outside the hospital.
With
Our Local Team – Our staff remain available throughout your placement
to answer questions, provide support and ensure your internship runs
smoothly. Regular check-ins allow us to discuss your experience and help
resolve any concerns.
This network of
support means you are never alone during your placement. You become part
of a team of healthcare professionals, fellow interns and our local
staff, all working together to create a rewarding educational
experience.
Volunteer Expectations
This placement is open to volunteers who are currently studying or already qualified within a healthcare profession.
Applicants
may be at any stage of their studies, including first-year university
students, provided they have a genuine interest in healthcare and
understand that this is an observational placement.
We ask volunteers to bring the following qualities:
Professionalism
– You will be observing within a working hospital. Maintaining
confidentiality, respecting patient privacy and following hospital
protocols is essential.
Enthusiasm &
Curiosity – Ask thoughtful questions when appropriate and embrace every
opportunity to learn from experienced healthcare professionals.
Flexibility
& Adaptability – Hospitals are unpredictable environments.
Schedules, departments and daily activities may change depending on
patient needs.
Empathy & Cultural
Sensitivity – Remember that you are a guest within both the hospital and
the wider community. Respect for local customs, patients and staff is
vital.
Reliability & Commitment –
Arrive on time, attend your placement consistently and demonstrate
professionalism throughout your internship.
By
approaching the placement with respect, professionalism and an
eagerness to learn, you will gain valuable international healthcare
experience while contributing positively to the hospital environment.
Our Commitment to You
We are available any time, day or night, to support you throughout your internship.
From
the moment you express interest in joining us until the day you return
home, our team is committed to ensuring you feel informed, prepared and
supported.
Before You Arrive – You'll
receive comprehensive pre-departure information, access to our volunteer
portal and direct communication with our team. We'll help you prepare
for your internship, answer your questions and assist with travel
planning.
Arrival & Orientation – A
member of our team will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the
volunteer house. During orientation you'll learn about Ghanaian
culture, local customs, safety information and everything you need to
know before beginning your hospital placement.
During
Your Placement – Our local team remains available throughout your stay
for support, advice and assistance whenever needed. Regular check-ins
help ensure you're getting the most from your internship and provide
opportunities to discuss your experience.
Beyond the Hospital – We also encourage you to experience life in Ghana outside your placement. Our team can recommend weekend trips, cultural activities and local attractions to help you make the most of your time here.
Continuous
Support & Feedback – We value your feedback throughout your stay as
it helps us continually improve our programmes for future volunteers
and partner organisations.
What to Bring
As this is a hospital placement, volunteers should arrive prepared with appropriate clothing and equipment.
We recommend bringing:
Medical Scrubs – Please bring your own scrubs to wear during your placement.
Stethoscope
(Optional) – While not essential, many medical students choose to bring
their own stethoscope for educational purposes during observations.
Notebook & Pens – Useful for recording observations and reflecting on your learning after each day.
Comfortable Closed-Toe Shoes – Suitable footwear is essential when working within the hospital.
Hospital Contribution
In addition to the programme fee, interns are required to make a direct contribution to Nkwatia Government Hospital.
1–4 weeks: USD $100 flat contribution.
Any additional 1–4 week extension: USD $50 flat contribution.
This
contribution is paid directly to the hospital and helps support the
continued hosting and supervision of international medical interns while
contributing towards hospital resources.
Time Commitment
Health interns generally attend the hospital Monday to Friday, with placements typically lasting 6–7 hours per day, depending on hospital activity.
As healthcare is unpredictable, start and finish times may occasionally vary according to the needs of the hospital.
