Panadol provides relief to devotees during Poson

Panadol reiterated its commitment to devotees on pilgrimage with yet another successful completion of a free medical first aid camp in Thanthirimale on 18 and 19 June. As a part of their CSR Program, ‘Panadol Suwa Saviya’, the flagship brand of SmithKline Beecham provided much needed support to large numbers of devotees travelling on pilgrimage during the Poson season. 

Declared a sacred city in the year 2007, Thanthirimale located in the district of Anuradhapura, illuminates its pathway for large numbers of Buddhist devotees during the festive Poson season. During the course of their pilgrimage, devotees have to climb steep steps to reach the stupa and historical precincts of Thanthirimale, many of whom came to view an exhibition of the sacred tooth of Buddha. 

Panadol’s free Medical Camp held in collaboration with Red Cross, provided relief to over 250,000 pilgrims over the two-day period. They were offered free health checkups, medical assistance and first aid services through a facility which was the only one of its kind in the location. There were qualified doctors and trained personnel to attend to the patients in the camp that was equipped with beds and a range of medical facilities. The partnership with Red Cross also helped to bring the best quality of healthcare and essential support to the pilgrims. 

Speaking on this initiative, Chief Priest of Thanthirimale Viharaya, Chandrarathana Thera said,   “Panadol together with the Red Cross Society very efficiently conducted this medical camp and provided instant and much needed relief to over thousands of devotees. Our wholehearted gratitude and blessings are extended to both organisations for their overwhelming commitment in hosting a program and providing relief to thousands of pilgrims attending religious and cultural events of importance, consequently minimising the distress, physical challenges and strains they may face whist they observe their beliefs and faith.” 

Further remarking on this initiative, SmithKline Beecham Ltd. General Manager Sunil Mehra said, “It is an honour and a privilege to be able to serve so many devotees and touch so many lives through Panadol Suwa Saviya program. Our relief camps have been held in various places like Mihinthale, Kandy and Nallur to provide much needed help to the pilgrims who come to worship and practice their faith. We are humbled to have had the opportunity to make a difference to so many lives. This has encouraged us to continue and improve this year on year.”