Question 1

What kind of physician volunteers are needed for mission on the ground?

Accepted Answer

We need physicians of all specialties especially Emergency physicians, family doctors, psychiatrists, Obstetricians & Gynecologists, radiologists, endocrinologists, internists, and dermatologists.

Question 2

What other specialties are needed?

Accepted Answer

We also need nurses, physiotherapists, midwives, psychologists, and respiratory therapists.

Question 3

What are the minimum and maximum number of weeks needed to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

There is no maximum number of months that one can volunteer as the need of the Rohingya people are ongoing. But, for most of our mission trips at least a 2 week commitment is likely.

Question 4

Is it safe in refugee camps?

Accepted Answer

Yes, thus far the NGO volunteers have not had any concerns regarding safety, however, we cannot guarantee one’s safety as the clinics are located near the refugee camps where the situation can get volatile.   Our local physician coordinator and our expert local driver will be with the volunteers at all times and will always guide them during the mission to ensure utmost safety. It is mandatory for the volunteers to wear the Humanity Auxilium vest and badge at all times when out serving the refugees.

Question 5

Where are camp clinics located?

Accepted Answer

The camp clinics are in Hakimpara, Jamtoli, Moynarghona – all located near the border of Myanmar and Bangladesh.   As well, there are other possibilities for clinics in other areas of the world as needed.

Question 6

Will volunteers get an opportunity to visit the refugee camps?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our coordinator will take you into the camps to get an idea of how life is in the camps for these individuals on a day to day basis.

Question 7

Can volunteers take pictures with and/or interview patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with permission from the patients. We want you to understand the depth of the crisis in order to serve this population better and advocate on their behalf, hence, it will be ideal if they told you their own story in their own words.

Question 8

What could a typical day look like for a volunteer? (Cox's Bazar)

Accepted Answer

The driver will be ready to pick you and the other volunteers from the hotel at 8am sharp. Volunteers are urged to have a hearty breakfast beforehand. The van ride is about 1.5 – 2hrs depending on the traffic. 
Patients, as well as the translators will be waiting at the clinics, the triage nurse will try to triage patients according to your specialty but it might not always be possible.
The patients are seen continuously till 4pm. 
You can take breaks as needed during the clinic day to consume water and snacks or even to contain yourself as the patients’ stories of abuse can be quite challenging at times.
The NGO vans will take you back to the hotel at 4pm. 
The volunteers then usually go out for dinner together at the local restaurants or go for sight-seeing or just rest up at the hotel.

Question 9

Do volunteers need to book their own hotel/accomodations?

Accepted Answer

No, we will book your hotel and transportation so that we get a discounted rate for our volunteers and all volunteers will stay at the same hotel.

Question 10

How much will it cost to stay there per day?

Accepted Answer

It will cost $40 – $60 CAD per day including hotel and food. The volunteers are responsible for the cost of their own hotel fare and food. The daily travel to and from the camps are covered, but not personal travel to restaurants or for sightseeing.

Question 11

What if a volunteer gets sick?

Accepted Answer

Volunteers might experience traveler’s diarrhea and if they do then, they will require rest and hydration in their respective hotel rooms.     Depending on the severity and the illness, if needed, we will fly our volunteers out to the Chittagong hospital which is the biggest hospital in the area.

Question 12

What vaccinations are required for our volunteer trips?

Accepted Answer

Yes, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Cholera, Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, and malaria.  Please take a look at the CDC website for more details.

Question 13

Do you need a visa to travel to Bangladesh?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may apply for a tourist visa on arrival. However, to avoid any hassle at the airport, you may apply for a tourist visa beforehand. Please visit the website for High Commission of Bangladesh of Canada website for online application.   https://www.visa.gov.bd/   https://www.bdhcottawa.ca/visa-and-no-visa-mrv-mrnv

Question 14

How do you get to Cox's Bazar?

Accepted Answer

You will need to fly to Shah Jalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh then take a flight to Cox’s bazaar.   The local airlines are Novoair and Regent airways. https://www.flynovoair.com/

Question 15

Can volunteers use their mobile phone in Bangladesh?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can buy a SIM card at the Shah Jalal International Airport, Dhaka and use it during your stay.

Question 16

Should medical volunteers bring any medical equipment?

Accepted Answer

It would be best to donate that money upon arrival so that the medications can be purchased locally as Bangladeshi medications are effective and cheap

Question 17

Should volunteers bring their own medication for personal use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please bring ample supply of your own prescribed medication. It is ideal to carry the following during travel but not mandatory.   Gravol, peptobismol, tums, immodium, restoralax, polysporin cream and eye drops, bandaids, probiotics, Tylenol, advil, and 3 day supply of ciprofloxacin. DEET insect repellent, sunscreen, and After Bite cream.

Question 18

What type of clothing should volunteers bring?

Accepted Answer

Bangladesh’s weather is very pleasant from November to April with temperatures ranging from 15 – 28C.  Evenings are cooler, hence, a wind breaker is required. Rain jacket and rain boot is required if you are going during the rainy season.   https://www.accuweather.com/en/bd/dhaka/28143/december-weather/28143   Bangladesh is a primarily Muslim country. Volunteers are encouraged to be sensitive to the cultural norms and avoid short skirts and tang tops.  Closed shoes are required to work at the camps.

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