All foreign volunteers are welcome to join in the work at the I.I.M.C. for up to 2 months. Longer visits can be really useful given the right skills (especially doctors, nurses, midwives and teachers) and a sympathetic approach.

[ International Co-ordinators would want to meet any long-term volunteer, to discuss the most productive arrangement, and obtain references.]

Please note that the IIMC is a major contributor to the volunteer work of IMFSA based in Italy. Medical students considering visiting IIMC should visit the Italian website-
http://www.ifmsa.org/calcuttavp

The medical work is at a very basic level of primary health care and volunteers should not expect too much ! The major area of expansion in the IIMC is the delivery of health education to mothers and children at both the indoor centre and the many outdoor clinics. Those volunteers with health education skills are strongly encouraged to support and assist in the development of this work.
For all levels of voluntary work five major points must be kept in mind -

• Observe and learn about Third World conditions.
  
• Assist in the many practical tasks in all departments of the IIMC, e.g. nursing and nutrition programmes.
  
• Support the learning of Indian volunteer health workers. (NOT take over !)
  
• Try and be a positive catalyst for the project. Respect the local culture. (e.g. no conspicuous smoking or drinking. Dress modestly.)
  
• Hours of work are variable, depending on the pressure of work and the skill of volunteers. There are regular meetings between foreign and Indian volunteers.