Seoul  - The health of North Korean ruler Kim Jong Il is getting worse, a news report said on Friday.

Representatives of the Ponghwa hospital in Pyongyang are attempting to obtain expensive medical equipment via China, the South Korean daily Chosun Ilbo said citing North Korean informants in Beijing.

The Ponghwa hospital treats the 67-year-old dictator.

"Kim seems to be in a serious condition," the source said.

Speculation over the health of Kim Jong Il has picked up again recently. He allegedly suffered a stroke last year, according to the South Korean intelligence service.

In an appearance at the Supreme People's Assembly in April Kim appeared gaunt and older.

The medical equipment reportedly sought by North Korea is on a list of goods banned by sanctions passed after North Korea's first nuclear test in October 2006. The United Nations Security Council strengthened the sanctions against Pyongyang after it staged a second atomic test on May 25.(dpa)