Volunteer at Oltrumet Hospital: Support Healthcare in Tanzania
Join Our Medical Volunteer Program and Gain Hands-On Experience in Patient Care
Oltrumet Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania, is a district-level healthcare facility that serves around 500-600 patients monthly, including delivering care to approximately 172 mothers each month. Volunteers support local medical staff in departments throughout the hospital, assisting with patient care, emergencies, and daily operations. This medical volunteer in Africa program provides invaluable real-world experience for healthcare students and professionals, helping to improve the hospital’s capacity and quality of care. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their skills and compassion to contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s healthcare system.
Program Overview: Medical Volunteer Opportunities at Oltrumet Hospital
Founded in 1976 as a health center and later upgraded to a district hospital, Oltrumet Hospital provides essential medical services to the Arusha community. With a focus on maternal and general patient care, the hospital serves 500-600 patients monthly, offering services in various departments, including maternity, emergency, and general outpatient care. Volunteers at Oltrumet Hospital have the chance to work alongside experienced doctors and nurses, participating in patient care procedures, learning about local healthcare challenges, and even supporting emergency responses.
Volunteers are integrated into daily routines, including morning meetings with hospital staff to review shift responsibilities. This volunteer hospital opportunity requires a medical background, as volunteers will assist with various tasks such as patient assessments, minor procedures, and emergency care, helping to enhance the hospital’s resources and patient support. Volunteers also learn about Tanzanian medical practices and ethics, gaining insight into the unique healthcare landscape of East Africa.
Please note this project requires a monthly donation of $100 USD for resource funding and hospital support.
Your Role as a Medical Volunteer: Contribute to Patient Care and Emergency Response
Assist with Patient Care Across Departments
As a medical volunteer in Africa, your primary role involves supporting patient care activities in various hospital departments. You’ll assist in patient assessments, minor procedures, and general care, working closely with the hospital’s doctors and nurses. This role provides an exceptional learning experience in patient interaction and hands-on medical care.
Support Emergency and Maternity Services
Oltrumet Hospital serves over 170 mothers monthly, providing critical maternity services. Volunteers help with labor and delivery support, basic maternal care, and emergency responses. This role is ideal for volunteers with a background or interest in obstetrics, offering real-world experience in a volunteer healthcare clinic setting.
Participate in Daily Team Meetings and Handover Procedures
Each day, volunteers join a morning meeting with hospital staff to review shift responsibilities, patient updates, and new tasks. This collaboration ensures continuity of care and offers volunteers insight into Tanzanian healthcare practices and medical team dynamics. This role emphasizes teamwork and adaptability, essential skills for anyone in volunteer hospital duties.
Volunteer Program Overview: Essential Details, Requirements, and Logistics
The Oltrumet Hospital program is open to volunteers aged 18 and over with a background in healthcare or medical studies. Volunteers are expected to work Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, joining hospital staff meetings and assisting in patient care. Basic medical training or certification is required, as volunteers will engage directly with patient support and emergency care. This medical volunteer work in Africa program is located approximately 6 km from the hostel, with public transportation and affordable local food options nearby. Volunteers must make a monthly donation of $100 to support hospital operations, payable to the doctor in charge upon arrival. The hospital provides a supportive environment where volunteers are integrated into daily healthcare routines and encouraged to apply their skills in patient care.
- Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, flexible start dates.
- Requirements: 18 years or older, background in healthcare or medical studies required.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Assist with patient care in various hospital departments
- Support maternity and emergency services
- Participate in daily hospital meetings and handover procedures
- Working Hours: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
- Logistics:
- Located 6 km from the hostel, accessible by public transport
- Monthly donation of $100 for hospital support
- Lunch is not provided but can be bought nearby to the project
The Impact You Will Make
Volunteering at Oltrumet Hospital directly impacts the healthcare experience for hundreds of patients each month. Volunteers help enhance patient care by supporting medical staff, aiding in emergency situations, and contributing to essential maternity services. With a high demand for healthcare services and limited resources, the hospital relies on volunteer assistance to improve its reach and quality of care. Volunteers bring valuable skills, contributing to patient well-being and strengthening the hospital’s capacity to meet community healthcare needs.
What's Included?
- Pre-arrival support through email, WhatsApp, telephone, and video calls
- Advice and guidance about the projects
- Pick up at the airport or bus station on your arrival
- Drop off at the airport or a bus station when you leave
- An orientation tour in Arusha personalized to your individual needs, including help buying a local SIM card, guidance on how to use public transport, and lunch
- On the first day of your project, our volunteer coordinator will come with you to show you which public transport to take and make sure you settle in well at your project
- Accommodation in our hostel. Dormitories or private rooms
- Breakfast and dinner seven days a week in the hostel.
- Lunch is not provided but can be bought nearby to the project
- 24/7 support from our volunteer coordinators who speak English and German
- Additional free time activities, such as safaris and treks, can be organized by the hostel for an additional cost
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two airports near Arusha, Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Arusha (ARK). Kilimanjaro is an international airport, and Arusha is a domestic airport. You can often find cheaper flights to JRO, so that should be your first choice. We will pick you up at any time, day or night, so please choose the flight that suits you best.
To volunteer in Tanzania you will need an Ordinary visa for the purposes of humanitarian and charity activities. Most countries can easily obtain the visa on arrival at the airport. It costs $US50 ($US100 for American citizens), is valid for three months and can be renewed once. If you plan to stay longer than six months you need to apply for a Resident Permit. Consult your Foreign Affairs Office if you're unsure.
Our house has a secure two-meter-high wall, a daytime watchman, a night guard and our guard dogs. Arusha is generally safe but it is best to take a taxi in the evenings rather than walking. When you arrive we will give you all the tips you need to know on how to stay safe.
We welcome anybody who is open to new cultures, and who wants to contribute to meaningful projects in Tanzania. Work experience in the chosen field is welcome but is usually not a requirement. If a project has specific requirements they will be listed on the project page. A basic knowledge of English, and the willingness to learn some Swahili words are necessary.