Medical Mission Trips to Nepal
Thank you for your interest in IMR’s medical mission trips to Nepal! This is a very unique opportunity to work with populations that have little to no access to healthcare and make a huge impact on their lives.
The Need
Nepal is located in a vulnerable environment, susceptible to natural disasters including the Gorkha, which was a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015. This earthquake destroyed several city and town structures, and also had catastrophic ramifications specifically in rural villages. This earthquake produced landslides that devastated rural villages.
The medical camps for the trip are designed to assist the Nepalese people who were greatly impacted by the devastating earthquake in April 2015. Because the villages you will visit are remote, they have not benefited from the aid that larger areas have seen. At the medical camps, you will treat respiratory conditions, neonatal disorders, heart disease, and diabetes. You will also help to administer vaccinations and help treat conditions related to unsanitary drinking water.
You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on how to stay properly nourished and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is education. Because many of the patients you treat will be inflicted by chronic illnesses, we will want to help them to understand the best strategies for self-care.
Our Work
International Medical Relief first traveled to Nepal after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake. In 2015 alone, IMR was able to provide five emergency disaster relief trips. After providing emergency disaster relief, we expanded our efforts into medical clinics. We have since served more than 10,000 patients with nearly 500 volunteers and staff providing community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations in order to provide sustainable health care to Nepal.
With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 17.
IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.
Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving their water quality, and installing water filtration systems that supply communities with clean drinking water and providing education on hydration and hygiene.
In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.
The Mission
Nepal is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places on Earth and is a top destination for adventure tourism. The nation is home to the world’s uppermost roads, longest walking track, sacred monasteries, stone huts, colorful rooftops, and bustling markets. Nepal boasts the highest summits in the Himalayas, which also happens to be the world’s most glorious mountain range as it contains nine of Earth’s ten tallest mountains. However, Nepal is still experiencing extreme rates of poverty and malnourishment. According to the United Nations, Nepal ranks 138th in the world in overall human development and is stated to be the least developed Asian country.
The people of Nepal have diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, but they all share an incredible love for humanity and are the reason why International Medical Relief (IMR) continues to collaborate with the inspiring Nepalese people. For this trip, we will serve the people living in small communities close to Kathmandu. Situated in a valley surrounded by the Himalayas, the densely populated city of Kathmandu has beautiful sights, colorful buildings, and resilient people. Services are extremely limited for anyone outside of Kathmandu proper, so the clinic work that you conduct is invaluable to the Nepalese people.
Lodging & Transportation
You will stay in simple accommodations with beds provided for everyone. The accommodations, while not luxurious, are safe, clean, and the best of what this community has to offer. The guest house is the staple of trekkers in Nepal and their owners are hospitable hosts who will make you feel welcomed and cared for. Local foods will be served, including the community staple, dal bhat, consisting of rice and lentils with a variety of spices. Tibetan delicacies are everywhere as well; don’t miss the water buffalo momos and the many varieties of rice pudding!
What a wonderful experience here in Tanzania during clinic week. Long days and hard work. So proud of the boys sticking with it and helping out where they could. They got to see kids with The community was so welcoming and gracious. All together I believe over 680 patients seen. Maasai tribe came to give us a farewell dance. The experience continues with our group tomorrow for an adventure.
Trip Highlights
Your work in two of the most beautiful districts in Nepal will be the highlight of your trip but seeing the beautiful ancient Stupas, Durbar Square and doing a little shopping in Thamel is a close second. This trip is one our most beautiful – take the time to extend your stay, if you can, and visit Tibet or take a trek! You will not have the words to describe this trip upon returning home so take a lot of photos!!
Food & Water
All food is typically provided during your stay. Please refer to your unique itinerary on our website to review which meals are provided each day. We may hire local people to cook for the team during our visit, or we may eat at restaurants or hotels. Lunch in clinic may include sandwiches made by the team or a feast prepared in your honor by community leaders. We recommend bringing snacks to eat during the day or evening or to supplement your lunch. High protein/high fat/high energy snacks are best. IMR also provides all of the drinking water for the team. Hydration and nutrition are extremely important for the health of the team. You are the best judge of your own health so please pack appropriate snacks and stay well hydrated on the trip.
Extend Your Stay!
You’re journeying halfway across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Nepal to experience some of its top tourist attractions? Travel to the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trail featuring the two-story pagoda, Tal Bahari or visit one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal, the Boudhanath Stupa. Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators! Contact Worldwide Navigators to book an extension or get more information.
Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Full Mission (7-8 Days)
Crisis Management & Emergency Response
We take security very seriously at IMR. It is our job to ensure that security precautions are in place, but please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee your safety on the trip.
- We continuously review all current activities occurring on the ground, and we work with the State Department and the U.S. Embassy to know the ground situation to the best of our ability.
- A security training conference call is available to our volunteers where we detail our security procedures that are in place for the trip.
- We take many security precautions such as radios, a buddy system, emergency evacuation plan and security planning.
- We protect the privacy of our volunteers in the field and provide them with customized contact information for their use.
- During our mandatory briefing, team members review our safety protocols, evacuation procedures, protocols for illness, natural disaster and terrorism.
- We provide training to our teams to be cognizant of their own safety and to be aware of their surroundings.
- Several policies require teams to adhere to safety issues.
Trip Preparation
A service that we are very proud of at IMR is the preparation that each team and team member receives prior to the trip. All team members will receive a detailed briefing packet about the country you are serving.
In addition to receiving background information about the country and the public health issues affecting local communities, you will also receive detailed information on fundraising, community health education topics,
clinic protocols, and a comprehensive departure packet. All of these materials are critical to the preparation for your trip. Finally, a guide to the infectious diseases of the country is distributed to medical providers prior to departure.
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation helps to save and change lives everyday.
Your charitable investment will go toward ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need. A small portion of your donation includes:
- Clinic supplies and medications for patients
- Clinic participation
- Transportation, accommodations, and meals as outlined in the itinerary
Payment Deadlines
To save $200, a 50% donation payment must be received 14 weeks before the mission’s scheduled start date. Full donation payments must be received 4 weeks before the mission’s scheduled start date.
Early Bird Savings Opportunity
To be eligible, upload all your required documents and forms, and make a minimum of 50% of your donation payment by 14 weeks prior to your mission’s scheduled start date.
Flexible Flight Options
Volunteer with Airfare
You may choose to book a flight with us for an additional fee. Details on the available flight routing and US departure city will be announced on the Early Bird Date. Airport transportation to and from the team’s accommodations are also included with this option. Depending on your departure city, you may still need to purchase another flight in addition to this one. After this flight has been booked, you may contact our travel agent, Worldwide Navigators, for assistance booking any necessary additional flights.
Benefits of Flying at a Subsidized Rate
- Travel with other members of your team on select routing
- Fly on a subsidized ticket at a lower rate
- Transport to and from the airport included
Volunteer without Airfare
Many team members choose to book their flight(s) to and from the mission location independent of IMR. This is a great option if would like to extend your stay in the area to tour and explore, or if the routing from you home airport is more feasible for you. If you choose to fly independently, please note that your transportation in between the airport and the team’s accommodations will not be provided. This will need to be arranged separately. Our partner for travel, Worldwide Navigators, would be happy to assist you in coordinating flights and/or transportation. You can contact them at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.
Benefits of Flying Independently
- Extend your stay and customize your dates of travel
- Choose your departure location
- Customize your class of service
Featured Enhancements
**To purchase any of the above Featured Enhancements for your mission please contact our office at office@imrus.org or call at (970) 635-0110.
Fundraising
IMR provides a fundraising packet to all registered trip applicants that is full of ideas on how you can raise support for your trip or for supplies to be utilized on this specific mission. When soliciting donations for any of our trips, success is completed through telling your personal story. Why do you want to go? Who will you help? Why their donation can help you achieve the ultimate goal. Tell your story to anyone and everyone. Refer your potential or active donors to our website or Facebook page and to your personal fundraising page. You may share your personal fundraising URL on Facebook and other social media sites.
Join Us in Making a Difference.
Bring much-needed acute medical and dental care to a beautiful, culture-rich destination. You can join an IMR medical mission team today!
