BKL Walawalkar Hospital was established in 1996 in a rural village in Dervan, south of Mumbai to provide subsidised, good quality health care services for a widespread rural area. We can offer safe campus-based elective placements including access to an 800-bed hospital with advanced clinical and educational facilities, a medical school and superb adjacent sports facilities.
Our electives offer a unique highly experiential placement in rural India, where you will have the opportunity to engage in various clinical activities, learn from fellow students as well as experienced medical professionals, and participate in community health initiatives. Our electives are structured to provide a balance of hands-on experience, theoretical learning, and cultural immersion.
Aiming to support the overall health and social development of the community, especially women and children, the hospital has attracted leading experts from India and the UK and has developed into a modern state-of-the-art teaching hospital. Electives at Walawalkar are particularly suitable for those before final assessments.
Note – BKL Walawalkar has a non-denominational spiritual ethos and 6 day working week. See FAQ for further information.
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FTE Electives has a policy of encouraging at least an initial 4-week placement in one area to enable you to settle in, find your feet and connect with local staff. This helps you to better understand the health care system and thereby become more involved with patient care.
Walawalkar offer can offer any of the typical core clinical areas as well as some sub-specialties (e.g. anaesthetics/IC, Infectious diseases/HIV.) TBC on application.
Additional taster weeks can be arranged in other clinical areas, including community visits, clinics or weekly camps with homestays which may also be available.
For more detailed information you can read the elective handbook here:
Throughout your elective, you will be required to complete various work-based assessments, such as AtoE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure), CBD (Case-Based Discussion), and ACAT (Acute Care Assessment Tool) assessments on patients.
Throughout your elective, you will be required to complete various work-based assessments,
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Shared (twin) single sex rooms are included in the fee.
Single occupancy may be requested at extra cost but only if available.
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One of the advantages of Walawalker Hospital’s location is its proximity to Goa, a popular destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and historical sites. Just a few hours’ drive away, Goa offers a perfect getaway for weekends, allowing you to explore its attractions, relax on the beach, or indulge in water sports. This proximity adds a unique opportunity for R&R during your elective.
In addition to the proximity to Goa, the region offers various other attractions and services to enhance your stay:
Homestays
Experience the local culture and hospitality by staying in nearby homestays, offering a more personalized and immersive experience.
Language Support
For those interested in learning the local language, support is available to help you navigate daily interactions and enhance your cultural understanding.
Rest and Relaxation
Beyond medical training, you can enjoy the rich natural beauty of the region, with options for hiking, beach outings, and visits to nearby temples and historical sites.
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4 weeks £600 all inc
Fee for additional weeks -£150
Does this include accommodation – YES
Does this include food – YES (Local vegetarian meals)
Mumbai airport pick up, train ticket and transfer to Walawalkar (note full day travel involved) INCLUDED
Optional extras – There may be opportunity to join educational events such as surgical skills courses at cost.
Booking Fee
To secure your elective, a non-refundable booking fee applies:
£200 – for students from our partner universities (includes a £100 discount).
£250 – for students from universities in the wider FTE Network (includes a £50 discount).
£300 – for all other UK students (standard booking fee).
This fee helps us coordinate with your host hospital, confirm your elective arrangements, and provide ongoing support. It also allows us to keep placement costs fair and transparent, while reinvesting into our partner hospitals.
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What to expect
Arrival and Transfer Landing at the Airport: – Upon landing at the nearest airport, a representative from Walawalkar Hospital will greet you. Look for someone holding a sign with your name or “Walawalkar Hospital Elective.” Transfer to the Hospital – You will be provided with aircon train transfer from the airport to the hospital. The journey typically takes around 5-7 hours, during which you can enjoy the scenic rural landscape of India.
A welcome from senior faculty, induction ins local H&S, hospital tour, buddy allocations and objective setting meeting.
BKL Walawalkar campus norms
The underlying Shri Vithalrao Joshi Charitable Trust has Hindu origins and promotes a non-denominational spiritual ethos throughout the campus. This applies to you as well as all local students and includes:
Dress code – (scrubs are fine), attendance expectations etc. and generally high behavioral standards.
No overnight guests, alcohol or smoking on campus.
A 6 day working week is the norm (but pro rata allowance can be made so 5 weeks = 30 days / 6 weeks UK equivalent)
LGBTQ
India is generally considered LGBTQ friendly, especially in tourist areas, but all public displays of affection of all types may be frowned upon elsewhere.
