' I LOVE this experience in chitwan for though short period! '
Xue Ying Fiona WangVolunteer fees starting at just $255
Since 1998, over 18,000 volunteers, hundreds of reviews
No Middlemen, Pay fees directly to host families and projects
Do you want to gain real clinical experience abroad, somewhere it genuinely counts? Would you like to spend a few weeks inside a working Nepali hospital, learning from doctors and nurses who treat far more patients with far fewer resources? Then our Nepal Medical Volunteer Program is the perfect opportunity for you. We place students and health professionals alongside local clinical teams in Kathmandu and Chitwan, in the departments where they most want experience.
Nepal’s hospitals are busy and short-staffed, and that is exactly where a volunteer counts. The patients you sit with get time and attention they would not otherwise receive, and the staff you support get an extra pair of hands for the work. At the same time, you also learn about the procedures while helping. When you ask why a decision was made, or how a diagnosis was reached, the staff around you explain their reasoning- and that is how you come to understand how healthcare really works in Nepal.
RCDP has been arranging medical placements in Nepal since 1998, and we do it through our own coordinators and hospitals we know. Whether you’re seeking exposure to a specific medical field or a well-rounded experience across specialties, we will match you to a department that fits your background and your goals and confirm availability before you commit to anything.
Join us on this journey and contribute to positive changes while advancing your medical career.
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Support healthcare in disadvantaged communities.
Each Monday of the month year round
1–12 weeks.
4-5 hours per day, Monday–Friday.
Medical students, nurses, or health professionals.
Host family or volunteer house.
Volunteering in the RCDP medical program lets you learn alongside local doctors, serve communities with limited health access, and gain real clinical exposure. You’ll contribute to meaningful health outcomes while advancing your skills in a supportive and immersive environment. As a medical volunteer you will be:
Your responsibilities depend on your qualifications, your interests, and the department you are placed in. Students and pre-med volunteers spend most of their placement observing and assisting, while nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists, and doctors are given more involved work, always under the supervision of the local clinician responsible for the patient. Your role is confirmed with the hospital at the start of your placement, so you will know what you can do before you begin. Day to day, your work may include:
This project is open to pre-med and medical students, nursing students, and aspiring medical students, as well as to qualified healthcare professionals- nurses, physicians, paramedics, EMTs, and physiotherapists. What you are able to do during your placement depends on your level of training, so your responsibilities are agreed with by the hospital when you arrive.
In addition, you are expected to be patient and helpful. You should have a great love and passion for helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and possess a large degree of kindness, flexibility, and patience.
As part of the Nepal medical volunteer program, you can expect a new and rewarding experience each day. It’s a chance to make a real difference while gaining valuable medical experience in a developing country.
You’ll be placed with different hospitals and clinics across Nepal, each with its own needs, programs, and day-to-day activities. Because of this, there’s no single fixed routine - your tasks may vary from day to day. Come prepared for a fulfilling experience, with plenty of opportunities to help along the way.
Here is a sample of the daily schedule:
The Nepal medical volunteer program starts each Monday of the month, all year long. If you experience any travel difficulty or distress getting to Nepal on the day of your chosen program, please let us know. We will adjust your starting date accordingly.
Every year, hundreds of volunteers arrive in Nepal to volunteer from UK and USA-based organizations and end up paying up to $2500 to volunteer for 2 weeks. However, RCDP offers the most affordable program fee. Our program fee starts as low as $255. The program fee is divided into a registration fee ($279) and a weekly fee. In Nepal, in addition to volunteer programs, RCDP runs many projects to help poor children and orphanages. We are currently running one orphanage in Nepal and a school construction and renovation program (for details, visit: RCDP Achievements).
The majority of your fee is used for your program. However, as RCDP aims to support poor communities and children, we use the remaining savings (if any are left) to run or manage our orphanages and community projects.
The weekly fee is split between accommodation and three daily local meals (50%) and project implementation costs, along with support for local project staff (50%). Allocation may vary depending on location, project type, and other factors. However, our coordinator will explain these matters before you pay the fee.
| Weeks | Medical (Kathmandu or Chitwan) |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | $255 |
| 2 Weeks | $500 |
| 3 Weeks | $675 |
| 4 Weeks | $850 |
| 5 Weeks | $1,025 |
| 6 Weeks | $1,200 |
| 7 Weeks | $1,375 |
| 8 Weeks | $1,550 |
| 9 Weeks | $1,725 |
| 10 Weeks | $1,900 |
| 11 Weeks | $2,075 |
| 12 Weeks | $2,250 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance: $4.49/day
Medical Supplements fee: USD 50/week
1 Week Language and Culture Program fee $250
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During your medical volunteering program in Nepal, RCDP arranges comfortable accommodation and daily meals so you can focus on your volunteer work and enjoy your time in the country.
Depending on your placement, you will stay either with a host family or in a volunteer house. Staying with a host family gives you a great opportunity to experience Nepali culture, daily life, and local traditions. A volunteer house, on the other hand, allows you to live and interact with other international volunteers.
Rooms are usually shared with volunteers of the same gender. Basic bathroom facilities with running water are available, although hot water may not always be provided. If you stay with a host family, please keep in mind that some homes may not have Western-style toilets.
You will receive home-cooked meals each day. Meals are generally simple, fresh, and based on traditional Nepali food. This often includes rice, lentils, vegetables, and other local dishes. Living and eating with local people can also be a memorable part of your medical volunteering experience in Nepal.
Learn more about your accommodation and meal plans in Nepal .
If you’re looking for a safe, secure, and comfortable experience during your stay, RCDP is committed to providing exactly that from beginning to end.
From the moment you arrive to the day you depart, our in-country coordinator and project staff will stay in close contact with you, regularly checking in on your program and accommodation to make sure everything is running smoothly. You’ll also be provided with the phone numbers of our support staff, so help is always just a call away.
Our coordinator remains available 24/7, ready to assist with any concerns and to respond immediately in case of an emergency, giving you support throughout your volunteering journey.
The same in-country team supports every one of our programs, so if you are still weighing this against another placement, you can compare them all on our main volunteer in Nepal page.
Learn more about our safety and in country support in Nepal.
Our Medical Volunteer Project in Kathmandu gives volunteers practical exposure to Nepal’s healthcare system, working alongside medical professionals and hospital staff. We partner with two major hospitals in Kathmandu and one in Chitwan. In Kathmandu, the projects are located in Kalanki and Swoyambhu and volunteers are placed according to their qualifications, experience, and interests, with hospital staff on hand throughout to help find the right fit.
Our Kalanki hospital sees roughly 100 to 150 patients a day across departments including orthopedics, general medicine, emergency care, ICU, and other specialist and general services. Depending on your background, you may observe or assist in a suitable department, always under the guidance of hospital professionals. It is about 10 minutes’ walk from our volunteer hostel — an easy, everyday commute. Kalanki itself is a busy, well-connected part of western Kathmandu, a key transport link to the rest of the valley, with markets, shops, restaurants, and residential streets giving it a lively, local feel.
Our second hospital, in Swoyambhu, is somewhat larger by patient volume, seeing around 150 to 200 patients a day, with the same range of departments. Getting there takes a 10-minute walk followed by a short bus ride — a small daily taste of how people actually get around Kathmandu. Swoyambhu, also known as Swayambhunath, is one of Kathmandu’s most significant cultural and religious neighbourhoods, home to the Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hill with sweeping views over the valley.
Our Chitwan hospital sits in Ratnagar Municipality, in Tandi, and sees around 75 to 100 patients a day across a range of departments. It is a smaller and quieter setting than either Kathmandu placement, which suits volunteers who would rather spend time in a district hospital than a busy city one. The hospital is about 15 minutes' walk from your accommodation, where you stay with a local host family and eat at home-cooked Nepali meals each day- one of the simplest ways to get a feel for daily life in the Terai. Chitwan National Park is roughly 7 km away from your accommodation, close enough for a weekend of jungle safari, canoeing, and rhino and bird spotting without travelling far from your placement.
At all three hospitals, volunteers work Monday to Friday, roughly 4 to 6 hours a day, and project staff are on hand to help match you in the right department.
You’ll have plenty of free time to explore during your medical volunteer project in Nepal. On weekdays, you’ll work around 4–5 hours, Monday to Friday, leaving your evenings free to discover the city’s attractions, often alongside fellow volunteers exploring the area together.
Weekends are yours to explore. Nepal is full of beautiful places - tall mountains, calm lakes, green jungles, and old temples - so there’s always something amazing to see. Whether you enjoy nature, wildlife, or history, you’ll find something to do on your day off.
Learn more about your free time and weekend exploration in Nepal.
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The tasks and activities you will be involved in the medical volunteering project in Nepal include:
Common placements include general medicine, pediatrics, emergency care, maternal health, orthopedics, and more. Assignments depend on your skills, background, and the current needs of the hospitals or clinics, allowing you to gain practical exposure in your field of interest.
Yes, you may indicate your preferred department. While we try to accommodate your choice, placements are ultimately determined by hospital requirements and volunteer experience to ensure both safety and meaningful contribution.
Our medical placements are primarily in Kathmandu and Chitwan, offering both urban and semi-urban hospital experiences.
Most volunteers are placed in hospitals in Kathmandu and Chitwan, though smaller community clinics may also host volunteers. This variety allows you to gain experience in different medical settings.
Yes! Volunteers may participate in health awareness campaigns, first-aid workshops, and school hygiene programs when opportunities are available. Group volunteers often get more chances for community outreach, while individual volunteers primarily work within hospitals or clinics.
Volunteers are guided by local doctors, nurses, and in-country coordinators, providing continuous support, mentorship, and supervision.
Yes! If you’re a medical volunteer who wants to see healthcare professionals in action, you can shadow doctors during their daily routine. It’s a great way to get exposure to patient care, medical procedures, diagnoses, and how hospitals actually run day to day.
Yes. Volunteering in rural hospitals and clinics is a key part of our medical program, giving you the chance to work in communities where access to healthcare is often limited.
Yes! Some placements let you work directly with children, whether in pediatric wards or through community health programs focused on child healthcare, nutrition, and health education.
No, volunteers are not permitted to perform invasive medical procedures or prescribe medications. The focus is on observation, assistance, and learning, allowing you to support local healthcare teams safely while respecting professional boundaries and local regulations.
Volunteers must maintain patient confidentiality, act professionally, and avoid making clinical decisions independently. Following instructions from local medical staff is essential for safety, respect, and effectiveness.
Healthcare resources in Nepal may be limited compared to Western countries. Volunteers gain valuable experience adapting to resource-limited settings, learning practical solutions, and understanding healthcare delivery challenges in a developing country.
Nepali culture emphasizes respect, modesty, and humility. Volunteers should dress modestly, avoid public displays of affection, and always ask for permission before taking photographs of patients or staff.
You will gain insight into Nepal’s healthcare challenges, expand your medical knowledge, develop intercultural competence, and experience personal growth. The program provides a combination of professional development and meaningful contribution to local communities.
Medical volunteering in Nepal provides international clinical exposure and strengthens your understanding of global healthcare systems. The experience demonstrates adaptability, cultural awareness, and practical skills that are highly valued in medical and healthcare careers.
Many volunteers join us as part of a medical elective in Nepal, and we can provide a certificate of completion confirming your dates, department, and supervising hospital.
This program is ideal for medical students, nursing students, nurses, paramedics, physicians, physiotherapists, and pre-med students seeking early exposure to international healthcare. Volunteers from diverse healthcare backgrounds are welcome to contribute their skills and gain hands-on experience.
Volunteers must be at least first-year medical students or equivalent, though pre-med students are also encouraged to apply. Your participation is designed to be educational, with tasks adapted to your knowledge and experience.
Yes. Students studying medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare-related field are highly encouraged to apply. Volunteering in Nepal is a great way to gain clinical exposure, build practical skills, and experience healthcare in a different setting.
It is recommended to bring your own scrubs, lab coat, and basic medical tools such as a stethoscope. Some volunteers also bring small supplies like gloves, bandages, or educational materials as donations to hospitals.
To volunteer, you’ll typically need a valid passport, a completed application form, relevant medical or student certificates, and proof of travel and health insurance.
It’s recommended that all volunteers check with their doctor and get standard vaccinations before traveling. Commonly advised vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and routine childhood immunizations.
No, English is widely spoken in hospitals and clinics. However, learning a few basic Nepali phrases can help you communicate with patients and staff.
Yes. Comprehensive travel and health insurance is required for all medical volunteers. If you do not already have a policy, RCDP can arrange travel insurance at $4.49 per day.
There are two main charges. A registration fee of $279 and a weekly program fee that starts at $255 for the first week. Medical placements also carry a supplements fee of $50 per week. Once we know the total length of your stay, we can help you by calculating the total cost.
The medical program runs year-round, allowing you to begin on any Monday that fits your schedule. This flexibility ensures volunteers from around the world can participate at their convenience.
The medical volunteering program is flexible, with a minimum duration of 1 week and a maximum of 12 weeks. Volunteers can choose a timeframe that fits their schedule and goals.
Yes, we also offer short-term medical volunteer programs lasting 1–4 weeks. These are ideal for anyone with a tight schedule, especially students and other professionals.
Hospitals run year-round, so you can join in any month. If you are looking for favorable weather, February to May and September to November have the most settled weather. June to August is monsoon season and is popular with students because it fits the summer break.
Yes, families can take part together, though younger children may not be able to join certain medical roles. We can arrange placements, so each family member volunteers in a role that suits them, while still sharing the experience together.
Yes. Safety is RCDP’s priority and we plan for it carefully. You are met at the airport, given an in-person orientation before you start, and placed in accommodation our team has checked. Your in-country coordinator is available 24 hours a day for the whole of your stay, whether the issue is minor or urgent, and you will have direct phone numbers for our support staff.
Yes, Wi-Fi is generally available at volunteer houses and some host family homes. Connectivity may vary, so many volunteers purchase a local SIM card with a data plan for more reliable internet access.
Yes, meals are included, typically featuring traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), vegetables, and seasonal fruits. Vegetarian options are always available to suit dietary preferences.
Absolutely! Volunteers have free time in the evenings and on weekends to explore Nepal’s cultural landmarks, temples, mountains, and natural beauty, combining service with adventure.
RCDP arranges many other volunteer opportunities in Nepal. Please check out the following links for detailed information.
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