BUENOS AIRES – The Argentine government on Monday launched a plan to promote "medical tourism," whereby it hopes to attract visitors who divide their stays between getting medical treatment or operations and sightseeing.

To get the initiative under way, the National Institute for the Tourist Promotion of Argentina, or Inprotur, struck accords with a score of medical facilities that will offer lodging and tourist visits to patients from abroad.

"We're also taking to the different fairs around the world (a program) with prestigious medical professionals, latest-generation technology available in the country, personalized attention and comfort, added to unique tourist attractions," Tourism Secretary Enrique Meyer said during the presentation of the plan.