Medical Volunteering in Malaysia

I first dipped my toes into volunteering in 2017 when I took a position as a nurse in Skopje, North Macedonia with Project Hope.  (You can read about that here!).  While this has been my only experience with volunteering, I want to highlight other volunteer opportunities for nurses and medical professionals around the world.

I recently spent two months traveling through Malaysia and not only do I think it’s an absolutely incredibly country, it’s a country that I hope everyone has the chance to visit in their lifetime.  So, if you’re a nurse or medical professional reading this – take this as an opportunity to spend time volunteering in the country and then extending your stay so that you can experience the beauty of Malaysia.

 

If you’re planning to visit Malaysia, don’t miss…

• The Best 3 Day Penang Itinerary
• The Best Itinerary for Malacca (1-2 Days)
• The Best 2 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary
• The Best Packing List for Malaysia

 

Please note:  I’ve done my best to research and vet these companies.  Please be aware of scams when inquiring about volunteer positions.  Also, I do note condone certain types of volunteer work that hinders the community instead of helping the community.  I have strictly included these companies in this post because they are reputable companies and have an aspect of medical need.

 

Organizations to Volunteer with in Malaysia

Doctors Without Borders

LOCATION:  PENANG | VOLUNTEER HERE

Doctors Without Borders is a well-known NGO throughout the world that provides relief to communities in need.  Currently, Doctors Without Borders is working with the displaced and stateless Rohingya and other refugees in the Malaysian state of Penang.  In 2022 3,500 Rohingya made the boat journey across the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal.  When they arrived in Malaysia, the government treated them as national security threats instead of a humanitarian crisis; that’s when Doctors Without Borders got involved.

Doctors Without Borders has implemented a community-based, person-centered approach to ensure refugees have access to healthcare.  As of 2022, the most pressing needs are for prenatal care and treatment for non-communicable diseases.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum availability of 9 months (8-12 weeks for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OBGYN’s)
• Previous experience working in a low income setting
• 3 years of experience for nurses (2 years for doctors)
• Experience in a leadership role
• Ability to work and live with a diverse team

 

EMPOWERED – The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia

LOCATION:  THROUGHOUT MALAYSIA | VOLUNTEER HERE

EMPOWERED is a non-profit organization with the goal to prevent cancer and those who are diagnosed with cancer in Malaysia.  The organization focuses on education, early detection screening programs, personalized support for low-income Malaysians.

 

HOPE Worldwide Malaysia

LOCATION:  THROUGHOUT MALAYSIA | VOLUNTEER HERE

HOPE Worldwide Malaysia is an international non-religious, nonprofit, non-governmental charity organization that was established in Malaysia in 2000.  They provide assistance with everything from health needs to food needs and even educational needs; but in this article I am specifically focusing on the health needs that HOPE Worldwide Malaysia provides.

As far as health, HOPE provides free-of-charge medical care to the urban community.  They have a mobile clinic that brings medication, food aid, and healthcare services to communities in Penang, Northern Perak, and to the Orang Asli Settlements; as well as services in Kuala Lumpur.

 

Malaysian Mental Health Association

LOCATION:  THROUGHOUT MALAYSIA | VOLUNTEER HERE

Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) is a non-government, non-profit organization registered in 1968.  Initially, MMHA was formed to provide support for those with mental illness and promote mental health awareness through public education.  Now, MMHA also provides psychological support services, mental health education and training, caregiver support, psychological rehabilitation, and is a strong advocate for mental health throughout Malaysia.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 18+

 

Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital

LOCATION:  TANJUNG BUNGAH, PENANG | VOLUNTEER HERE

Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital is non-profit, Catholic hospital aspiring to bring God’s healing presence through the best and affordable cancer treatment and care.  Currently, they have volunteer needs for customer service, nursing care (acting as an assistant to the staff nurses), pastoral care, and an office assistant.

 

General Requirements for Volunteering in Malaysia

Below you’ll find the requirements you’ll need in order to volunteer in Malaysia…

• Visa/work permit
• Professional credentials
• Health and travel insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay
• Background check

 

Malaysia Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Malaysia

 

If you feel called to work as a medical volunteer, Malaysia is an incredible country to do so.  If you have any questions about traveling through Malaysia or what to expect, let me know in a comment below!

 

For volunteer opportunities in other countries, don’t miss…

• Medical Volunteering in Indonesia
• Medical Volunteering in the Philippines
• Medical Volunteering in Peru
• Medical Volunteering in Vietnam
• Medical Volunteering in Cambodia
• Medical Volunteering in Thailand
• Medical Volunteering in Laos

 

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