Mammootty to raise money for 100 heart surgeries

Kochi (Kerala), April 7 (IANS) Malayalam film star Mammootty and his fan club will help raise money to finance 100 heart surgeries in Kerala.

'The NIMS (Noorul Islam Institute of Medical Sciences) Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram would conduct 100 heart surgeries this year, and it would be free for the patients. I am the brand ambassador (of the fan club) and the money is being raised from people who are willing to contribute for a cause,' Mammootty told IANS Monday.

Mammootty Fans and Welfare Association is also behind this venture, he added.

'Earlier in 2006, the association had tied up with a hospital for free eye check camp and this new effort is to help the needy,' the actor said.

The formal inauguration of the free heart surgery programme at NIIMS took place Sunday evening at Kochi.