Healthcare Internships in Sri Lanka

This immersive two-week program combines clinical hospital exposure, community outreach, and cultural adventure on Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coast. Designed for pre-medical, medical, and nursing students, the program provides structured morning placements in local hospitals and health projects, balanced with enriching afternoon and weekend experiences. Participants gain a unique perspective on healthcare delivery in a developing country while also contributing to conservation and community initiatives. Afternoons and weekends include cultural immersion, wildlife exploration, adventure activities, and relaxation — ensuring both professional growth and unforgettable memories.

The Medical Internship in Sri Lanka caters to interns who are currently enrolled in, or have recently completed, a medical degree from a recognized university in their home country. A prior background and/or experience in the medical field is mandatory to participate in this internship. 

This is the main criteria to qualify for the medical internship program. Participants who have work experience in the medical field but are not enrolled in a medical university will not qualify for the medical internship and will have to join the pre-medical program instead.

Medical interns have the option to rotate between a range of wards and units at the public hospital as per their interest. They can also gain invaluable practical learning experiences in a clinic setting, as well as through select community projects. They get to understand how the medical system of a developing country like Sri Lanka works and learn first-hand from local doctors, as well as contribute in the day-to-day running of the facilities. They also get to learn about various tropical diseases that are prevalent in this part of the world. 

Sri Lanka is the only country in South Asia which offers free healthcare to all its citizens, which is remarkable for the region. As such, the public sector here is vast and constitutes the vast majority of the medical system. Interns have access to a larger and wider network of professionals, volume of patients and exposure to a comprehensive set of wards and special units. There is also a greater need for participants to assist in the public sector as the sheer volume of patients they get is overwhelming and from lower socio-economic classes.

Medical Interns are allotted to work in the largest public hospital in Southern Province of Sri Lanka, Govt Ayurveda Institute or in community projects.

Sample Placement Profile

National Hospital Galle – this is the largest public hospital in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, and the 3rd largest hospital in all of Sri Lanka. Capacity of ~2,000 beds. It has a total of 54 wards and several other specialized units. It was previously known as “Teaching Hospital Karapitiya” and “Teaching Hospital Mahamodara” but has now been all grouped under “National Hospital Galle” as the Sri Lankan government has recently elevated its status from a regional hospital to a national one.

Government Ayurveda Institute – this hospital specializes in the traditional medicinal practice of Ayurveda

Medical Internship Placements

Med Trips provides a variety of elective placements tailored to the specific needs of students training in the medical field. 

These electives are specifically designed to meet the learning objectives of students in the medical field. Whether you are still in training or a recent graduate looking to broaden your skills, this program offers valuable hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

Med Trips team in the UK as well as the in-country team in Sri Lanka can help complete any paperwork required, provide risk assessments and sign off on hours to ensure the placement complies with your university requirements.

The Nursing Internship in Sri Lanka caters to interns who are currently enrolled in, or have recently completed, a nursing degree from a recognized university in their home country. A prior background and/or experience in the nursing field is mandatory to participate in this internship. 

This is the main criteria to qualify for the nursing internship program. Participants who have work experience in the nursing field but are not enrolled in a nursing university will not qualify for the nursing internship and will have to join the pre-medical program instead.

Nursing interns have the option to rotate between a range of wards and units at the public hospital as per their interest (based on availability).They also get to understand how the nursing system of a developing country like Sri Lanka works and learn first-hand from local doctors and nurses, as well as contribute in the day-to-day running of the facilities. 

Sri Lanka is the only country in South Asia which offers free healthcare to all its citizens, which is remarkable for the region. As such, the public sector here is vast and constitutes the vast majority of the medical system. 

Nursing Interns have access to a larger and wider network of professionals, volume of patients and exposure to a comprehensive set of wards and special units.There is also a greater need for participants to assist in the public sector as the sheer volume of patients they get is overwhelming and from lower socio-economic classes.

Sample Placement Profile 

• National Hospital Galle – this is the largest public hospital in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, and the 3rd largest hospital in all of Sri Lanka. Capacity of ~2,000 beds. It has a total of 54 wards and several other specialized units. It was previously known as “Teaching Hospital Karapitiya” and “Teaching Hospital Mahamodara” but has now been all grouped under “National Hospital Galle” as the Sri Lankan government has recently elevated its status from a regional hospital to a national one.

• Sri Lanka Friendship Hospital For Women – this is the largest maternity hospital in South Asia that specializes in maternity care, offering a wide range of maternity exposure for nursing interns.

• Government Ayurveda Institute – this hospital specializes in the traditional medicinal practice of Ayurveda

Nursing Internship Placements

Med Trips provides a variety of elective placements tailored to the specific needs of students training in the nursing field. 

These electives are specifically designed to meet the learning objectives of students in the medical field. Whether you are still in training or a recent graduate looking to broaden your skills, this placement offers a valuable learning experience.

Med Trips team in the UK as well as the in-country team in Sri Lanka can help complete any paperwork required, provide risk assessments and sign off on hours to ensure the placement complies with your university requirements.