Program Overview

The structure of the Ecuadorian health system is weak as a result of the lack of national budget, therefore medical service is limited, it can not reach all the population (13.871.559 inhabitants).

The main problem that the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health faces is the lack of medical professionals. In rural areas It’s estimated that two doctors for every 1000 habitants work in medical centres and hospitals, the others are resident doctors and interns. Approximately 30% of the population can not access to the public heath service, and a private service is not affordable for them.

Institutions as the Ecuadorian Red Cross work therefore to give a better health assistance to the Ecuadorian population. It offers health care service on different areas: at the medical center you will be able to assist the laboratory, physical rehabilitation department, and pharmacy in Quito and Latacunga.

The Ecuadorian Red Cross also develops a mobile and dental clinic program in Quito with the purpose of giving a proper health assistance to schools in rural communities. (Closed during summer vacations: July and August). Volunteers will be assisting local Doctors during their visits to the communties twice or three times a week according to the needs of the communities.

Location: Quito (capital city) and Latacunga - Cotopaxi Province.
Accomodation: Homestay.
Meals: Half board, 7 days a week.
Dates: Year round. Dental and mobile clinic closed on July and August.
Program duration: Minimum two weeks +
Requirements: Minimum age 21. Intermediate Spanish level
Volunteers should have an entusiastic attitude and knowledge on the medical field, Doctors, nurses, paramedics. Students in the medical field, according to availability.