Hospital trysts inspired Amithabh's health endorsements

Panaji, Oct 25 (IANS) His numerous trysts with hospitals at various stages of his career inspired Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan to espouse campaigns linked to health issues.

The actor, who has in the past been a brand ambassador for the advertising campaigns like pulse polio, HIV/AIDS, cancer, was in Goa to kickstart operations of Silver Star, a diabetes charity foundation, as its international patron.

'A lot of it came to mind during my several escapades after my accidents and visits to hospitals and intensive care units (ICUs),' Amitabh said.

The Bollywood superstar, who launched Silver Star's mobile diabetes assessment unit in Goa and donated Rs.11 lakh towards the initiative said 'he was happy' to endorse causes related to health.

'When you speak of medicine and healthcare, any amount of charity is welcome,' said Bachchan, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes.