Days after Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan president, declared himself to be cancer-free after receiving treatment in Cuba four months ago, claims by a doctor have cast further doubt over the true state of his health.

In an interview with a Mexican magazine, Venezuelan doctor Salvador Navarrete says those close to the president told him that Chavez may have as little as two years to live.

Navarette, having since fled Venezuela, says the death of Chavez could destabilise the country and has urged the government to be more honest with the citizens in future talks surrounding the president's prognosis.

Al Jazeera's Roger Wilkison reports.