US president Barack Obama is undergoing medical tests at a military hospital just outside Washington after complaining of a sore throat, the White House has revealed.

Press secretary Josh Ernest said Mr Obama's doctor, Ronny Jackson, suggested that the President attend Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland, for some diagnostic tests.

The White House said that according to the doctor, Mr Obama's quickly scheduled test is a matter of convenience - not urgency - and the spokesman noted that the President had some free time in his schedule on Saturday afternoon.

The White House has promised to provide updates.

The 53-year-old president had a physical examination in May, and was said to be in excellent health.

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