  More than 200 customers participated at the third Sampath Sanhinda medical camp held on 27 May at the Thalawathugoda Sampath branch premises.
The participants who were senior citizens from the areas in and around Thalawatugoda, Borella, Rajagiriya, Nugegoda, Homagama were highly appreciative of the service provided at the medical camp.
Comprehensive medical Tests were carried out free of charge to check fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, full blood count, creatinine, urine, liver condition of the participants. ECGs were also taken and qualified doctors did physical examinations. The medical tests and eye screening were facilitated by Durdans Hospital, Colombo and Vision Care.
  Sampath is the only bank which conducts medical camps especially for senior citizens. The earlier camps were held at Matara and Nittambuwa areas respectively.
Commenting on the service provided at the medical camp, Professor Sudatta Ranasinghe – a Sampath Sanhinda Saver Customer who is a Professor in Management-Open University said that it was very useful. "It helps you psychologically, especially when you are old and you become very anxious about your health, It's most commendable as every test was carried out under one roof, free of charge. It was organized very well putting in a lot of effort. More than anything, the medical advice given at the end by the trained doctor is most useful," he said.
 He was also happy that the camp gave them a feeling of togetherness and created an
atmosphere to renew relations with known people. "I must say Sampath Bank
has a competitive edge over other banks with this unique service," he stressed.
President of the All-Ceylon Book Sellers Association - Kusumabandu Samarawickrama – another Sampath Sanhinda Saver Customer described it as "a very commendable project." He had come with his wife and was quite happy they decided to come. He suggested that the scheme should be extended to cover village areas.
Mr. Tharaka Ranwala , Deputy General Manager- Marketing and Business Development said that the keenness of the customers could be gauged from the fact that they started coming from 7.30am onwards. “They were so happy and enthusiastic and felt they were being recognised by the Bank. The project was a tremendous success."
Apart from Thalawathugoda account holders from Battaramulla, Malabe, Rajagiriya, Borella, Nawala, Pita-kotte, Athuruigiriya, Nugegoda,Kottawa,Embuldeniya,Pelawatta,Maharagama, Kohuwala, Mattegoda, Homagama, Gangodawila & Kottawa turned up for the medical camp.
Sampath Sanhinda Saver, the senior citizen savings account introduced by Sampath Bank is specially designed to cater the financial requirements of senior citizens and it is the only Savings Account that pays interest twice a month with free medical facilities. The product was launched in July 2009 and market studies show that it is the leading product in the senior citizen savings segment in the market.
Created especially for senior citizens, a Sampath Sanhinda Saver account can be opened for as low as a sum of Rs 2,500. The rate of interest is higher than normal savings accounts and the account holders can also enjoy additional benefits. A further additional interest is paid on US Dollar savings. If Rs 75,000 or higher account balance (annual average) is maintained throughout the year, the account holder is entitled to free health checks up to Rs.10, 000.
More benefits in the form of winning holidays – both local and foreign through a Lottery, are also included depending on the quantum maintained in the Sampath Sanhinda Saver accounts.
Explaining the rationale behind the project, Mr. Ranwala said that having noticed the high percentage of the ageing population in Sri Lanka, the Bank felt that providing such a service to the senior citizens is the responsibility of the bank and to make sure that they are happy and healthy. "It clearly demonstrates the Bank's concern for the Senior Citizens and its keenness to serve the community as a responsible corporate entity."
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