India

With more than 1.2 billion citizens, India is the world’s second most populated country, surpassed only by China. The economic status of its citizens ranges from extremely poor to very wealthy. Though the centuries old caste system is officially outlawed, its effect is still present and can hinder a person’s social and economic mobility.

Volunteers in the International Outreach Program to India travel to Kochin (or Cochin) located on the west coast of India in the state of Kerala. Kochin was colonized first by the Portuguese in 1500, then the Dutch and finally the English. The AIMS Hospital in Kochin, which begin as a 115 bed specialty hospital fifteen years ago, has now grown to a 1,450 bed facility with an attached medical college hospital. No one is denied treatment because of race, social status or religious affiliation. Fees are based on what the patient is able to pay.

For two weeks, Heart Touch volunteers work with patients of all age ranges at the hospital and provide hospital staff with instruction on the Heart Touch approach to patient care.

Click here for more information on the International Outreach Program.

Click here for an application for the International Outreach Program.