ICTY spokeswoman Nerma Jelacic was quoted as saying that Mladic had been examined this week in the presence of Dutch doctors responsible for his treatment.

"The Serbian doctors will be able to inform the tribunal's Registrar of their findings, but will not be able to prescribe therapy," Jelacic said. She would not discuss details of the visit of the Serbian medical team, citing the tribunal's rules, but noted that Mladic's health was affected before his arrival in The Hague and that steps had been taken to improve it.

The ICTY on Wednesday ordered a complete medical examination of Mladic to show whether he was fit enough to stand trial.

The prosecution fears that 69-year-old Mladic, who has frequently complained of poor health, might die before he is tried, as was the case with Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic who died in his ICTY cell before sentencing.

"A full report on the Accused's health will assist the Chamber (…) to better assess whether and to what extent his health condition could affect the preparation of the upcoming trial," Judge Alphons Orie said in a written statement.

Mladic is charged with genocide committed by his forces at Srebrenica in July 1995, the siege of Sarajevo, persecutions throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the taking hostage of UN personnel. He was arrested in Serbia in late May after nearly 16 years in hiding and was transferred to The Hague on May 31.