Pandaw Clinics Emergency Appeal

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Myanmar has been at the heart of Pandaw’s story for more than 30 years. It was along the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers in the mid-1990s that we launched our first river expeditions, laying the foundation for the community-based cruising we are known for today. Generations of skilled Burmese crew have shaped the onboard experience, while local farmers, artisans, and suppliers have become integral to our journeys. These deep-rooted relationships, built through decades of shared exploration, fuel our continued support as Myanmar faces the dual challenges of civil unrest and the devastating earthquake of March 2025.

 

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Images of Pandaw Clinics at work

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"Burma has given me so much over the years. Establishing the Pandaw Clinics is our way of giving back to a country that has enriched our lives in countless ways. It also offers our passengers a meaningful opportunity to say thank you for the unforgettable experiences they’ve had here."

Paul Strachan, Founder of Pandaw Cruises

The Story Behind Pandaw Clinics

Following the devastation of Cyclone Nargis in 2008, Pandaw launched a long-term initiative to support the people of Myanmar through both education and healthcare. What began with ships converted into floating hospitals has grown into a wide-reaching community effort, including the construction of schools and the operation of medical clinics across central Myanmar. These programs provide vital services to thousands each month and are entirely funded by generous passenger donations and a share of Pandaw’s profits. This commitment reflects our deep connection to Myanmar and the communities that have shaped our journeys for over 30 years.

Education

We have funded the construction of 12 schools in remote river island communities where access to education was once out of reach. On Thiri Island, located along the Irrawaddy River south of Pagan, Pandaw Clinics have helped to build three primary schools and one high school, providing the island’s children with the opportunity to complete their entire education close to home.

Healthcare

The first Pandaw Free Clinic opened in Gantgar Village in 2009, quickly becoming overwhelmed by patients, many of whom traveled long distances for care. Today, we operate seven clinics around Pagan, treating over 5,000 patients a month with a dedicated full-time team of 20, including doctors, paramedics, pharmacists, and support staff. Since our first clinic, we’ve provided more than half a million free treatments.

Pandaw Clinics is run on a pro-bono basis by Pandaw employees, ensuring that all donations go directly to field operations, not administrative costs. Over the years, we have made a lasting impact on rural communities, funding projects such as the Pandaw House for 50 female Nargis orphans at the Hpondawoo Monastery in Mandalay, the Pandaw Wing at the U Hla Tun Hospice in Mandalay, and the Pandaw Clinic Barge, which served for five years in the Delta following Cyclone Nargis.

Our work is made possible by generous donations from Pandaw passengers and a portion of profits from Pandaw Cruises. If you are interested in supporting our efforts by donating to build a clinic, school, or orphanage, please contact us to discuss how we can collaborate on these important projects. With extensive experience on the ground in Myanmar, we can help bring these initiatives to life and manage their development on behalf of our donors.

Make a donation today

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The Pandaw Clinics is a registered NGO in Myanmar (No. 5/Nyaung Oo / 003), with trustees drawn from the local community in the Bagan-Nyaung U area, who are fully responsible for the clinic’s management. Donations are forwarded directly to the trustees by Pandaw Cruises, acting pro-bono as an agent for this purpose.

There are no administrative costs, and all management of the clinics is carried out by the trustees and their volunteers. Full-time doctors and paramedics receive fixed salaries, and donations are used to cover these expenses, along with the purchase of pharmaceuticals, diagnostic equipment, and the upkeep of the clinic facilities.

None of the Pandaw Clinics trustees, staff, or volunteers have any connections with the military. The organization neither receives support from the military nor contributes financially to the military government in any way.

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