India – Signature

The Need

India is the world’s second most populous country and in spite of a well trained and functional health care system, India still faces significant public health issues.  Sanitation, overcrowding, and poverty all contribute to illness, especially among the poor. In 2018, India reported a 30% infant mortality rate. India also still faces several gender health disparities, where women are more vulnerable to different health risks. 

Join International Medical Relief (IMR) in providing quality medical care for the communities surrounding Jaipur. The team will care for those with the greatest need for medical attention. Our clinics are nestled among the throwback of centuries old traditions in southern India. Engage with this culture first hand as you provide greatly needed medical care to the densely inhabited communities. Those left out of the medical system will not only get medical attention, but will also be given needed education to help them survive in places where healthcare is difficult to access.

Our Work

International Medical Relief began relief efforts in India in 2011. Since then we have served nearly 16,000 patients through more than 400 staff and volunteers. IMR continues to provide sustainable health care through education initiatives that include clean water, dehydration/rehydration, malnutrition, family planning, oral health, respiratory diseases, malaria prevention and hygiene/hand washing. We expect to continue collaborating with local health officials and growing our relationships with communities in India. 

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 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. 

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.

This Mission

Close your eyes and picture looking to your left to see towering, snow-capped mountains, and then looking to your right to see lush, green foliage. If you concentrate, can you hear the infectious Hindustani music or taste freshly caught fish? As the seventh-largest and second-most populous country in the world, it is not surprising that India offers a wide variety of sightseeing, topography, and cultural experiences. Shaped by the Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, the Indian Desert, Peninsular Plateau, coastal plains, and many islands, India is the land of “Unity in Diversity.” Among the people, diversity in race, religion, and language exists, but their vast differences in culture does not divide them. As you’ll see in our days of clinic, many city residents cannot afford the out-of-pocket expenses associated with subsidized healthcare. During this trip, IMR will help to bring much-needed aid and education to the people in Jaipur who have the most challenging time accessing medical treatment.

Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. As of 2011, the city had a population of 3.1 million, making it the tenth most populous city in the country. Jaipur is known as the Pink City due to the dominant color scheme of its buildings. Located 268 km (167 miles) from the national capital of New Delhi, Jaipur was founded in 1727 by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, after whom the city is named. It was one of the earliest architecturally planned cities of modern India. During the British Colonial period, the city served as the capital of Jaipur State. After independence in 1947, Jaipur became the capital of the newly-formed state of Rajasthan.

The pink city of Jaipur is known initially as the oldest part of the state. Constructions date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The population here is predominantly merchants and artisans who earn their living by driving rickshaws, making clothes, jewelry, and selling their crafts. Around 70% of the population in Jaipur is Muslim, while the remainder is mainly Hindu. There are government schools as well as Muslim schools in the area, and while many young females are discouraged from attending, most of the male children are encouraged to attend classes.

As the population is rapidly increasing, the main challenge here is housing and accommodations. Many residences are converted into commercial shops or workshops, which leaves scarce space in which for the population to live.

In addition, the area is in much need of health education for females and essential health support due to a large number of patients being admitted to the government hospitals. The city is over capacity and is putting pressure on the local healthcare infrastructure to provide care for more patients than it can handle, resulting in delayed or lack of treatment for many people.

Lodging/Transportation

The accommodations for the Signature trip are at a 4-star hotel with plenty of amenities to make your stay in India comfortable and enjoyable. IMR will arrange safe and reliable transportation to and from your clinic locations.

Highlights

You will leave India feeling deeply connected to the people that you help during clinic, and this feeling will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip. In this humbling yet rewarding service opportunity, you will work with communities who will be eager to connect with you. Your time in the slums will allow you to appreciate the local culture and will provide you with a chance to connect with the people you treat.

While the most rewarding aspect of this trip will be caring for the people of Jaipur, your team will also have the opportunity to visit some of the city’s top attractions. The trip’s highlights include exploring the City Palace, Albert Hall Museum, Wind Palace, Water Palace, Amber Fort, and Galti Ji Temple.

Extend Your Stay

Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see some of the top tourist destinations around Delhi? IMR offers an exclusive three-day extension to its volunteers provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators.

Worldwide Navigators offers a fantastic opportunity to continue your trip and explore off the beaten path, giving you more time to see the sights in India.

Highlights include:

• Discover the world-renowned Taj Mahal, learning the history and magic at every turn
• Explore the winding streets of Old & New Delhi, and uncover what makes this city tick
• Visit the historical Humayun’s Tomb

See the Extensions tab on this page for details on this amazing experience!

Itinerary at a Glance