Travel to Delhi, India, the second most populous city on the planet. Join NGOs working to implement social reforms and improve public health outcomes through educational campaigns and trainings with emphasis on the spread of HIV/AIDS in India, tuberculosis, and management of infectious diseases. Learn about key public health challenges such as low rates of immunization, poor sanitation and waste management, and unsafe drinking water. Understand the lingering impact of India’s caste system and challenges in implementing public health initiatives within a culturally and linguistically diverse population.

Become immersed in Indian culture while living in a private apartment in a residential neighborhood in south Delhi. Visit Delhi’s numerous museums, restaurants, and shops or visit World Heritage sites like the Red Fort or Humayun's Tomb. CFHI participants may also choose to organize day trips over the weekend to the spectacular Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. 

India is the seventh-largest country in the world and the second-most populous with over 1.2 billion people. There are over 20 languages spoken across India’s twenty-nine states. The country is also the birthplace of four of the world’s major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. India offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscape unlike anywhere in the world, as well as breathtaking architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple.

New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, is sprawled over the west bank of the river Yamuna and is one of the fastest growing cities in India, one of the largest cities in the world. Delhi’s historic monuments intersperse with modern infrastructure and government buildings to create a unique city fabric. A true urban experience, the movement, colors, sights, and sounds of Delhi

Clinical Rotations & Public Health Placements

Participants of this program will be placed in public health settings, including an array of non-governmental organizations (NGO) stepping in to address the gaps in health services and the most needy populations. This provides a unique learning opportunity and in-depth exposure to public health in India.  

Environmental and Social Service NGO- Founded in 1970, this facility boasts 60,000 volunteers, making it the largest internationally recognized social service agency in India. It has developed technology for water treatment plants and facilities that eliminate human waste scavenging, traditionally done by India’s untouchable caste. Visit and learn from experts working on projects promoting human rights, environmental sanitation, alternative energy, waste management and social reforms through education, training and awareness campaigns.

LGBTQ Community Center- Founded in 2005, this NGO works to empower sexual minority groups on issues of discrimination, safe sex, and STD prevention. The center holds community meetings, provides free STD testing in a small clinic, and organizes activist and advocacy efforts on LGBTQ human rights issues.

Truck Yard HIV Counseling and Treatment Center- Only 25-30% of HIV positive Indians know their status. At higher risk are men who have sex with men (MSM) and truck drivers who do not have regular access to HIV testing. Truck drivers in particular are more likely to be uneducated and engage in risky behaviors because of high mobility. Join this NGO focusing on HIV prevention and treatment, which offers counseling and testing centers focusing on high-risk groups in accordance with the National AIDS Control Program.  

Juvenile Rehabilitation Center– The first of its kind in India, this NGO partners with the government in Delhi and offers a 50 bed inpatient rehabilitation facilities for adolescents struggling with addiction. It also provides counseling, vocational and literacy training, meditation sessions, art and theater workshops, and assists in transition and reintegration including a halfway home.

Homeless Services NGO - Mandated by the Delhi government, several NGOs offer services to the homeless. Join this NGO, which identifies and maps homeless populations and provides services such as food, shelter, health services referrals, HIV and AIDS treatment, and drug rehabilitation and treatment. It also empowers homeless populations through street theater, awareness campaigns, and support groups.

HIV & Drug Rehab NGO- Established in 1979, this NGO offers holistic programs serving injection drug users, street children, and homeless populations. It provides preventative services, treatment and counseling for HIV/AIDS and STDs. It serves homeless drug users through rehabilitation services, needle exchange programs, and opioid substitution therapy. Here, a nurse on staff provides basic care, including cleaning and dressing wounds. Accompany community health workers providing education and outreach in high-risk areas.

Street Children’s Center- This NGO works to integrate street children into mainstream society. It has a shelter, day care center, and provides vocational training. It also uses street and stage theater performances to build self-confidence in children and awareness about social issues relating to the lives and stories of street children. Join volunteers offering guidance, care and organizing workshops for the children.

Rural Nonprofit Hospital -? This charitable hospital opened in 1977 with the sole objective of providing affordable health care to the underserved. Housing 30-beds and offering 12 specialties, the facility conducts over 80,000 outpatient consultations and 2,000 surgical interventions annually. The facility has modern infrastructure and comprehensive diagnostic facilities.

Government Hospital Tour- Visit government facilities to understand how some of the largest Government hospitals in Delhi function, providing free and high quality healthcare services to the poor who come from across India to seek care.
 

Participants stay in apartments in a residential area of Delhi in the same building as CFHI’s India Director. CFHI accommodations provide a unique opportunity to learn about local culture and live among locals in a residential area.

The apartments have have either two or three bedrooms, a bathroom with Indian style toilets and shower, and a common living room area. Accommodations are comfortable and include two meals a day. A local caretaker will provide the meals and cleaning of the apartment. At the welcome orientation, participants will be instructed on recommended transportation from housing to program visits and getting around the city.

Approximate Program Dates:
This program offers a start date once per month. Students may choose program dates that best suite their program.

Requirements:
This CFHI program is open to fourth-year medical students. 
 

CMU Office of Study Abroad Scholarship:

Scholarships in the amount of $500 are available for faculty-led programs and students studying abroad for eight weeks or longer in the summer are eligible for up to $750. Scholarships for semester participants range from $500 - $2,500. For more information, please contact the Office of Study Abroad.

Additional Scholarships:
For information about scholarships for which you may apply on campus and nationally, please visit the Scholarship page.