Mysore/Mysuru: Multilingual actor Prakash Raj on Saturday donated an ambulance to city’s Holdsworth Memorial Hospital (Mission Hospital) in memory of late actor Puneeth Rajkumar.

Puneeth Rajkumar was fondly called as ‘Appu’ and the ambulance, named as APPU Xpress, will be available free of cost to the needy.

Speaking on the occasion, Prakash Raj said he has donated the ambulance to serve the needy in memory of his dear friend Puneeth Rajkumar, who passed away in October last. Pointing out that the ambulance donation is an initiative of Prakash Raj Foundation, he said that his dream was to donate one such free ambulance service in all districts of the State.

Recalling his association with the late actor, Prakash Raj said that Puneeth could have been saved if an ambulance was readily available to rush him to Hospital. Hence, he decided to donate a free ambulance  for service of poor people, he said adding that he would raise funds for his ambulance project. 

Pointing out that his friends and well-wishers suggested that he donate the ambulance to Mission Hospital which has been engaged in the service of the poor for more than a century, Prakash Raj also announced that he will shortly be setting up a blood bank in the Hospital premises for the service of the poor.

Mission Hospital Directors Vincent Palanna, Rev. William, Rev. Sujatha and others received the keys of the ambulance from donor Prakash Raj.