"There is no obstacle for the medical checkup of Thich Huyen Quang," government spokesman Le Dzung said in a written statement.

Thich Huyen Quang, 87, has already undergone medical treatments in Ho Chi Minh City in October and November 2006.

He had since returned to Nguyen Thieu Pagoda in Binh Dinh province where he continued his ordinary religious practices, Dzung said.

"At present, his health is stable," Dung said, adding that local authorities had regularly visited the Buddhist dignitary to follow up on his health situation since he is one of the eldest monks in the region.