``(The Prime Minister) has no medically confirmed symptoms of any ailment, leave alone a prostrate tumour. ``We categorically assert that he does not suffer from cancer of the prostrate or any other part of the body,'' said a letter issued by the PMO in denial of press reports to this effect.

The letter said it was public knowledge that Vajpayee had a kidney removed in 1986 and asserted that this had not interfered with his political life in any way.

The letter goes on to say that since the operation, Vajpayee has taken the precaution of regular medical checkups but it was ``untrue that he had sought medical care specific to prostrate tumour''.

Simultaneously, the PMO released a hectic tour itinerary spanning the coming fortnight during which Vajpayee will visit fourIndian states and as many foreign countries, including South Africa where he is scheduled to attend the crucial NAM summit.

He will leave for Assam and Arunachal Pradesh tomorrow to survey the flood-affected areas. On August 19, he will inaugurate an airport in Raipur in Madhya Pradesh. He is scheduled to address a public meeting the next day, besides meeting BJP workers of the state.

The Prime Minister will subsequently leave for a three-day visit to Jaipur to attend the BJP's national executive meeting which starts August 21.On August 28, Vajpayee will leave for Oman. This will be followed by a day-long official visit to Namibia. He will reach Durban in South Africa on August 30 to attend the NAM summit.

During his stay in Durban, Vajpayee is scheduled to meet his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif to discuss the modalities for the resumption of the stalled bilateral talks.

On the last leg of his tour, he will visit Mauritius on September 4.