Major Gen. Khin Yi

Burma's police chief is denying reports that the military junta has prohibited detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from seeing her doctor.

Major General Khin Yi says Aung San Suu Kyi's personal physician visits her once a month and can see her more often if she needs treatment.

Khin Yi said Thursday that the government has granted Aung San Suu Kyi's doctor permission to conduct an ultrasound examination during her next general checkup. The police chief did not say why the opposition leader needed an ultrasound.

Ultrasounds allow doctors to examine internal organs, and can be used to diagnose heart conditions as well as gynecological problems.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest at her lakeside compound for most of the past 17 years.

She is generally prohibited from receiving visitors, although a U.N. official was granted a rare meeting with her in May.

The democracy leader's party won a general election in 1990, but the military government has refused to recognize that victory.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP .