The India Global Health program combines community healthcare experience with structured global learning, allowing you to explore healthcare delivery within underserved communities while working towards a recognised Global Citizenship Diploma. Designed for participants considering careers in medicine, nursing, public health, global health, allied health professions, or healthcare policy, this program combines community outreach, clinical observation, intercultural learning, and academic reflection into one immersive international educational experience.
India Global Health Program Highlights
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No.3 - Health
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & Gain 16 UCAS Points
- Experience Healthcare Delivery Through Clinics, Outreach & Hospital Projects
- Learn Alongside Experienced Doctors, Nurses & Healthcare Professionals
- Gain Insight Into Preventative Healthcare, Primary Care & Public Health
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No.3 - Health
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & Gain 3 US Credits
- Experience Healthcare Delivery Through Clinics, Outreach & Hospital Projects
- Learn Alongside Experienced Doctors, Nurses & Healthcare Professionals
- Gain Insight Into Preventative Healthcare, Primary Care & Public Health
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No.3 - Health
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & Gain 20 ECTS Credits
- Experience Healthcare Delivery Through Clinics, Outreach & Hospital Projects
- Learn Alongside Experienced Doctors, Nurses & Healthcare Professionals
- Gain Insight Into Preventative Healthcare, Primary Care & Public Health
Why Choose the India Global Health Program?
Improving health outcomes requires much more than treating illness. Effective healthcare also depends on disease prevention, health education, accessible primary care, and community outreach that enables people to receive support before medical conditions become more serious.
The India Global Health program has been designed to provide participants with far more than a hospital observation placement. It combines practical exposure to community healthcare with structured academic learning, allowing you to understand how healthcare systems respond to social, economic, and environmental challenges while developing valuable professional skills.
Throughout your program you will work alongside experienced healthcare professionals supporting community clinics, outreach campaigns, health screenings, and hospital departments. At the same time, you will strengthen your communication, professionalism, cultural awareness, adaptability, and understanding of healthcare delivery within diverse communities.
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Every stage of the program has been designed to help you develop as both a future healthcare professional and a global citizen, combining meaningful healthcare experience with structured reflection to create an international learning experience that extends beyond traditional volunteering.
Your Global Citizenship Learning Journey
Unlike a traditional volunteer program, every participant follows a structured learning pathway designed to maximise both personal development and professional learning.
Prepare Before You Travel - Before arriving in India, you will complete online learning introducing global health, primary healthcare, public health, healthcare ethics, intercultural communication, social determinants of health, and community-based healthcare. This preparation provides valuable context before beginning your placement.
Learn Through Experience - During your placement you will observe and support healthcare professionals working across community clinics, outreach health campaigns, hospital departments, and health education initiatives. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you may also have opportunities to undertake basic supervised clinical tasks where appropriate and permitted.
Reflect On Your Impact - Following your placement, you will complete guided reflective activities that encourage you to evaluate your healthcare experiences, compare healthcare systems, and connect your observations with wider global issues surrounding health equity, prevention, healthcare access, and sustainable development. Reflection forms a key part of the Global Citizenship Diploma, helping transform practical experience into recognised professional learning.
Background to the India Global Health Program
India has made significant progress in expanding healthcare services over recent decades, yet access to affordable healthcare remains uneven across many communities. Alongside hospital-based care, community health programs play an essential role in improving access to primary healthcare, promoting disease prevention, and supporting individuals who may otherwise struggle to access regular medical services.
The India Global Health program works alongside established healthcare initiatives serving local communities in Faridabad. These include permanent community clinics, mobile outreach health campaigns, hospital partnerships, and preventative health programs that provide accessible healthcare, routine health checks, and medical education to local residents.
By working alongside experienced healthcare professionals, participants gain valuable insight into the relationship between clinical medicine and public health. Community outreach, preventative healthcare, health education, and early intervention all play an important role in reducing health inequalities while improving long-term wellbeing within local communities.
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Throughout your placement you will also develop transferable professional skills including observation, communication, teamwork, cultural awareness, ethical practice, critical thinking, and reflective learning. Experiencing healthcare within a different social and cultural context provides valuable preparation for future careers across medicine, nursing, allied health, and public health.
Your Field Experience in India
Your field experience forms the practical foundation of the India Global Health program. Working alongside doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals, you will experience healthcare delivery across a variety of clinical and community settings throughout Faridabad.
A significant proportion of your placement takes place within community outreach clinics that provide accessible primary healthcare for local residents. Here you will observe patient consultations, health screenings, preventative healthcare initiatives, and routine clinical care while learning how community-based healthcare improves access for underserved populations.
Participants may also spend time within private hospital departments, where opportunities exist to observe consultations, specialist clinics, diagnostic services, operating theatres, and a variety of medical specialties depending on operational requirements. Hospital shadowing complements the community healthcare experience by providing a broader understanding of healthcare delivery across different clinical environments.
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Additional experiences may include accompanying healthcare professionals during community visits to schools, residential care settings, and local outreach programs where preventative healthcare, health education, and routine health assessments are delivered.
Medical and nursing students undertaking elective placements may also request specialist clinical experiences that complement their academic studies wherever operationally possible.
Your Role & Typical Day in India
As a participant in the India Global Health program, your primary role is to observe and learn from experienced healthcare professionals while developing a broader understanding of community healthcare and public health within India.
Most participants spend 3-5 hours each weekday at their assigned placement, typically during morning community clinic sessions, although hospital observations and specialist experiences may take place at different times depending on clinical schedules.
Your daily activities may include observing patient consultations, community health campaigns, preventative healthcare initiatives, hospital departments, diagnostic services, and health education activities. Depending on your background and the supervision available, participants may also assist with basic clinical observations such as measuring blood pressure, monitoring blood glucose, or supporting simple wound care under professional supervision.
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Participants are encouraged to spend several days within each placement to build relationships with local healthcare teams and gain a deeper understanding of how different healthcare settings operate. Throughout the program, experienced doctors and coordinators explain clinical procedures, discuss healthcare challenges, and encourage participants to reflect on the similarities and differences between healthcare systems.
Daily transport between the accommodation and healthcare placements is provided by the local team, allowing participants to focus fully on their learning while becoming part of a supportive international healthcare community.
Other Things to Consider in India
Return Airport Transfer – Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. However, our local team can assist in arranging onward transfers to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for greater flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Alternatively, ridesharing apps are a common and cost-effective option. Many participants travel during their final days and may not return to the airport directly from the accommodation. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants.
Top PMGY Medical Program – The medical volunteer work in India is rated as PMGY’s top overseas medical program due to the extensive exposure and variety of projects offered. Open to everyone from school leavers to those with no formal medical training, this program provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in underprivileged communities. Whether you’re pursuing a career in medicine or simply have an interest in healthcare, this experience is accessible and rewarding.
Hands-On Involvement – The level of hands-on involvement at medical volunteer abroad projects depends on several factors, including your medical background, the length of your program, and your willingness to participate. The medical staff overseeing your work decides upon the extent of your involvement, ensuring all procedures are carried out responsibly.
Some previous participants in the medical volunteer in India program have been allowed to administer IV injections, dress wounds, and perform other basic tasks. However, hands-on involvement cannot be guaranteed, regardless of your experience. Volunteers without medical training typically take on observational roles, while those pursuing medical studies may have the opportunity for more direct participation under supervision.
Trained Professionals – This program is not designed for trained professionals looking to practise medicine overseas. It is specifically tailored for school leavers and medical students who wish to learn about healthcare systems abroad and gain experience in a supportive environment.
Photos – Please note that photography is not allowed in clinical areas. Patients are often in vulnerable situations, and taking photos can compromise their privacy and dignity. Even if you witness something memorable or medically interesting, capturing images is not appropriate. You are welcome to take general photos outside of clinical settings, but always follow local guidance and respect the privacy of staff, patients, and the wider community.
Group Medical Trips – PMGY offers affordable group trips to India for academic institutions and societies worldwide. With free travel for group leaders, these 15-day trips are fully structured and inclusive, led by experienced PMGY staff. Planning large group trips can be challenging, involving logistics such as flights, insurance, and pre-trip preparation. PMGY specialises in organising seamless group expeditions, offering trusted medical placements and full-board accommodation for students. Participants benefit from a rich, immersive experience that includes insight into healthcare challenges, exposure to local practices, and valuable learning opportunities.
Project Flexibility – As a volunteer in India, you might have the opportunity to join other India volunteer programs. However, this depends on the availability of space to avoid overcrowding, which could limit opportunities for meaningful involvement. Priority is always given to those specifically signed up for a particular program in India, so while flexibility is possible, it’s not guaranteed.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
Explore India’s cultural treasures with a weekend trip to Jaipur and Agra, home to iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and Agra Fort. Wander through the Pink City, enjoy sunset views at Jal Mahal, and soak in the rich history and architecture of Northern India.
Getting There
• 6 hours by private taxi or train
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included within suggested budget
Things to Do
• Amber Fort – 5 GBP
• Light & Sound Show at Amber Fort – 2 GBP
• Taj Mahal – 10 GBP
• Exploring the Pink City – Included
• Agra Fort – 6 GBP
A weekend in Rishikesh offers the perfect balance of spirituality and adventure. Explore iconic bridges, riverside temples, cafés, and the Beatles Ashram, then unwind with yoga or meditation before enjoying white water rafting or ziplining on day two.
Getting There
• 7 hours by private taxi
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included within suggested budget
Things to Do
• River Rafting – 6–15 GBP depending on length
• Ziplining – 15 GBP
Escape the bustle of Delhi with a peaceful trip to Dharamshala. Home of the Dalai Lama, this hill station offers breathtaking Himalayan scenery, fresh mountain air, Tibetan culture, and opportunities to hike, relax, and explore.
Getting There
• 10 hours by coach
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included within suggested budget
Things to Do
• Triund Trek – 12 GBP
• Bhagsu Waterfall – Free
• Tibetan Museum – 1 GBP
• Cooking Lesson – 5 GBP
Pushkar is the perfect weekend getaway for spiritual charm and desert beauty. Explore temples, bazaars, and Pushkar Lake, or take in stunning views from Savitri Temple at sunrise. Camel rides and desert dinners complete the experience.
Getting There
• 7 hours by train
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included within suggested budget
Things to Do
• Camel Safari – 7 GBP
• Desert Safari and Dinner – 13 GBP
Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities, offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience. Enjoy sunrise boat rides on the Ganges, explore ancient temples, wander through narrow alleys, and witness the powerful Ganga Aarti at night.
Getting There
• 10 hours by public train
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included within suggested budget
Things to Do
• Morning Boat Ride – 2.5 GBP
• Private Boat Ride – 15 GBP
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- Three women explore a historic monument’s steps, capturing friendship and curiosity in warm natural light.
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- Friends enjoying a joyful moment in front of the stunning Taj Mahal during a serene visit.
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- A young woman captures the stunning architecture of an Indian heritage gateway at a historic site.
Accommodation - Shared & Comfort Options Available
Volunteer House
On the India volunteer program, you will live in our Volunteer House, located in the centre of Faridabad, a satellite city about 15 miles south of Delhi. Restaurants, convenience stores, and ATMs are just a short tuk-tuk ride away.
The Volunteer House is large, basic, but comfortable, and shared with other international volunteers. Free Wi-Fi is available at the Volunteer House, although it can be intermittent. Volunteers are encouraged to purchase a local SIM card to use with an unlocked mobile phone. Power cuts are common in India, but these typically last no more than a couple of hours and should not cause major inconvenience.
The accommodation includes communal areas for relaxing and socialising, as well as handwashing facilities for clothes. A laundry service is also available for a small fee. Fridge space is provided for keeping items cool, and volunteers are encouraged to bring a small padlock for securing personal belongings. Valuables can also be stored securely with the local team, but volunteers should only bring essential items during their volunteer work in India.
Most volunteer projects are not within walking distance of the Volunteer House. The local team will provide transport to and from your placement each day, via tuk-tuk or minivan, and the cost of this service is included in your Program Fee. The Volunteer House is located on the same campus as the host family that coordinates the projects. While there is a clear divide between the accommodations, volunteers will have regular opportunities to interact with the coordinators and experience local hospitality.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
You will stay in single-sex dormitory-style bedrooms accommodating up to 8 people per room. Each room is equipped with fans, and bed linen is provided. During the winter months, additional bedding, such as a sleeping bag, is recommended. Bathrooms are communal with western-style toilets and showers, but there is no hot water.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
If you prefer a private room option, you can upgrade to the Comfort Option when you register with us. Comfort rooms will accommodate a solo traveller or up to two participants travelling together, with two single beds. We will try to allocate a private bathroom for sole use, but this will depend on numbers and availability. Each room is equipped with fans, and bed linen is provided. During the winter months, additional bedding, such as a sleeping bag, is recommended. Bathrooms are communal with western-style toilets and showers, but there is no hot water.
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 8 (Shared) or 1 (Comfort)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
1 Hour
Nearest ATM & Shops
10 Minute Walk
Meals
During your volunteer trip to India, you will be served three freshly prepared meals daily. Most dishes are traditional Indian vegetarian cuisine, made with a variety of flavours while ensuring they are not too spicy. Occasionally, the local team may prepare western options such as pasta or vegetarian burgers. Filtered water is available at the Volunteer House free of charge.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast
Cereal, Milk, Bread, Jams, Fruit, Juice
Lunch
Mixed Rice, Vegetables, Curries, Chapati, Soup
Dinner
Vegetarian Burgers, Pizza, Momo
Program Location
FAQ's
PMGY welcomes medical volunteers in India of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17, with no upper age limit. Additionally, all volunteers need to have good English, although it does not need to be your first language. While it’s not necessary to speak the local dialect, you’ll find that learning a few local words during your time in India will go a long way in building connections and enriching your experience.
As a India medical volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the medical projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation! However, please note that medical and healthcare projects often require additional documentation before participation begins in-country.
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the India medical program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
For your volunteer trip to India, you should book your flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport – Delhi (airport code DEL) to arrive on the designated Sunday start date. This is the official arrival day for the program, ensuring a smooth and well-organised beginning to your experience as a India medical volunteer.
Please check out our Chaperoned Flight options for group flights from London Heathrow on selected start dates.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Sunday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to India, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a India medical volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
You can apply anytime for most of our programs, including the India medical volunteer program. However, we highly recommend applying soon to secure your spot. Some of our programs have limited capacity, and spaces can fill quickly, especially during our peak travel period from June to August. If you plan to join us during this time, applying early is even more important to avoid disappointment!
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Based on feedback from previous India medical volunteers, we’ve found that 4-6 weeks is the ideal amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the experience of volunteering in India. This duration provides ample opportunity to integrate into the local community, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to your chosen project. Over this time, you’ll be able to make a lasting positive impact while having plenty of time to explore India’s incredible sights and culture during your weekends.
Many of our India medical volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
At PMGY, we understand the importance of safety, especially for first-time travellers, and we work diligently to ensure that all our programs, including those in India, provide a secure and enriching experience. Our programs are carefully designed to balance structure and independence perfectly. This means you’ll enjoy a guided and supportive environment while free to explore and immerse yourself in local culture. For further details, please refer to our Safety & Wellbeing page.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a India medical volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a India medical volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
