Program location
The city of Ranchi is situated at an altitude of 2,140 feet above sea level. Ranchi is the nucleus of the Jharkhand region and is well known for its scenic attractions, waterfalls, barren rocks, and hills. It also has a number of industrial complexes, which are very important in the industrial life of the country.
Climate/weather
India has a tropical climate. The months of January and February are relatively cool. February through April is warm and pleasant. Summer begins in May and the climate is very hot through June, which is the beginning of monsoon season. Monsoon lasts from June through the beginning of September. Finally, September though December is warm and humid.
Mailing address
Ranchi Hospital, Bariatu Road, Ranchi 834009, Jharkhand, India
A typical day at Ranchi hospital begins with staff worship at 8:00 a.m. Participants will then accompany doctors on morning rounds. Students will be given the opportunity to choose the departments they would like to work in each day. After lunch, students will work with outpatient services for the rest of the afternoon. Students will also observe surgeries.
The hospital is open six days a week, Monday through Friday and Sunday. Students are expected to be available most Sundays as the site experiences 50 percent of its workload on this day. Consequently, students can arrange to take a Friday through Saturday weekend or can choose not to work on another weekday.
Site size and services offered
The Ranchi Hospital has 100 patient beds of which 60 percent are regularly occupied. The site sees approximately 60 to 100 outpatients per day. Services offered include the following:
Languages
The primary language used in this area is Hindi. English is spoken by the majority of hospital staff (85 percent); however, only 5 percent of the patient population speaks English.
Accommodations
Participants may choose to say in a guesthouse or a hospital room. Meals will be provided at the hospital cafeteria. However, participants may choose to cook their own meals or hire an individual to prepare meals for them at home. Fresh food is available for purchase locally. The site encourages participants to buy bottled drinking water (10 rupees per bottle). Amenities at the site include running water and temperamental electricity.
Do not leave the hospital after 8:00 p.m.; this is the time that business in town closes.
Clothing
Dress conservatively. Women--please do not show midriff. The site encourages women to purchase some traditional Indian dress upon arrival. It is comfortable and more suited to the climate, environment, and culture. This, however, is not required as long as participants dress modestly. Bring clothes that dry quickly, as clothes will be washed by hand.
Transportation to site
Participants are responsible for arranging their own air travel to the international airport in Calcutta, India. From there students will take an overnight train (8 hours) to Ranchi, which is located 250 miles from Calcutta. A staff member from the hospital will meet the participant at the train station in Ranchi and take him/her to the site. It may also be possible to fly from Calcutta to Ranchi on a local flight. SIMS will help students compare prices and make these travel arrangements.
Eligibility
This site recruits students and professionals in the following health professions: medicine, nursing, international public health, health administration, epidemiology/biostatistics, health promotion, nutrition/dietetics, laboratory technology, and medical records. The site also welcomes students from other fields.
Program fee
Program fees include food, lodging, and transport from the arrival airport to the site. Participants will pay food and lodging costs directly to the Ranchi Hospital. SIMS will then reimburse these costs when participants return from their trip. Program fees do not include air travel or personal travel while in the country. The following costs are based on a four-week stay and subject to change in conjunction with the site.
| Housing cost: | $5.00/night |
| Food cost: | $2.00/day (if meals are eaten in the cafeteria) |
| Transport to site fee: | $20.00 |
| Estimated total cost: | $230.00 |
Country information
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/
Entry requirements
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html#p
COMMENTS FROM A FORMER STUDENT INTERN
Good experience--a great way to spend the last summer of your life. Go with an open mind and be willing and motivated to take initiative.
There were very few of the conveniences we have (TV, microwaves, hot showers, reliable electricity) so I had plenty of free-time in the evenings to spend with some of the families.
The only thing I wish I could have known before I got there was the amount of quizzing I would be put through. I would have prepared myself more and brought some books, i.e. human anatomy.
Dr. Jaya made sure I was informed of every surgery. Whenever she had a C-section she made sure I was present and had the chance to put my hand around the baby's head and try to pull it out of the mother's uterus until I finally was able to do it on my own. I also assisted in all of her hysterectomies and minor surgeries and did the skin suturing at the end. I will never forget the time the electricity went out, as it often did, and the generator wouldn't come on. Dr. Jennifer kindly got me a flashlight so I could finish the suturing. I also accompanied Dr. Jaya to her clinic in a smaller village called Ramguard. I had the chance to do a few pelvic exams and see lots of ultrasounds at the clinic.
Last Revised: Fri, Feb 16, 2007
