One of those involved in the Nov. 20-22 IMTD2009, Medical Tourism Conference & Exhibition in Toronto – which is promoting Indian hospitals to those seeking medical treatment – is confident that there is growing interest in India among Canadians seeking alternatives to hospital stays in this country. Yasmeen Sayeed, president of Surrey, BC-based Surgical Tourism Canada, reports her own company has sent hundreds of clients to India in the past five years, which she says demonstrates “growing interest [in India]and promoting the facilities can only help to increase the awareness and confidence, and result in increased numbers.” IMTD2009 will see Indian hospitals participate, along with others in the health care field. “I will not generalize and say that all Indian hospitals are great but I will certainly say that there are a good number of internationally accredited hospitals, which are on par, if not better, than any Canadian hospital. Because these hospitals are privately owned corporations, the do not cut corners in terms of technology, caliber of staff or services. Once gets what one pays for,” she says. “India offers world-class health-care facilities with American and Canadian board certified surgeons with the latest technology and top-notch care. There are literally no waiting times and anyone can afford it. The cost is a fraction of similar costs in the US or Europe.” Surgical Tourism Canada clients include people tired of waiting for treatments, those unable to get particular procedures in this country and those that are looking for uncovered services, such as cosmetic and dental procedures, “which cost less in India by a considerable amount.” Admission to IMTD2009 is free. Those wanting further information can access www.imtd2009.com or www.surgicaltourism.ca.