NIMS completes 100 heart surgeries for poor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actor Mammootty inaugurated a function organised in the NIMS Hospital, Neyyattinkara, on Thursday to mark the 100th heart surgery for the poor, a joint initiative of NIMS Heart Foundation and the actor.The project that was launched two-and-a-half years ago, has helped patients of various age groups from different parts of the state. The poor patients were selected by the Mammootty Fans and Welfare Association. The association members also donated the blood required for the patients.In his inaugural speech, Mammootty said that the best deed a man could perform was to accept a human being as he was. Heart symbolises compassion and love. It is the organ that is responsible for blood circulation and that which sustains life. In the next phase, 250 more patients would benefit from the project, Mammootty said.A de-addiction centre for addicts was also under consideration. Actors Sukumari and Madhupal, NIMS managing director M S Faisal Khan, Dr Madhu Sreedhar, Dr Rameswara, Pankajsenan and fans association general secretary Nisam spoke.