Biotech
Monday, February 12th, 2024 5:30 pm EDT
Key Points
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalized for possible bladder issue, transferring responsibilities to deputy.
- Austin, battling prostate cancer, retained responsibilities upon entering hospital, bringing necessary communication systems.
- Pentagon updates, transfers duties to Deputy Defense Secretary, informs top officials, maintains transparency about Austin’s health.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was taken back to the hospital on Sunday due to symptoms possibly related to a bladder issue, prompting him to transfer his responsibilities to his deputy. Austin, who is battling prostate cancer and has been recovering from surgery, initially retained all his duties upon entering the hospital. However, he later passed on his responsibilities to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks before being admitted to the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The Pentagon assured that Austin brought all necessary communication systems for his duties during his hospitalization. Doctors at Walter Reed announced that Austin’s cancer prognosis remains excellent, although it’s unclear how long he will remain hospitalized. The disclosure of Austin’s hospitalization and the subsequent update aimed to avoid a repeat of a previous incident where Austin’s ICU stay was not promptly communicated to top officials. Despite criticism and calls for resignation over the lack of transparency, the White House reiterated its support for Austin as he confronts his health challenges. Austin’s re-hospitalization follows his public apology for the mishandling of his earlier hospital visit, during which he pledged to be more transparent about his health issues moving forward.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/11/defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-hospitalized-bladder-issues.html
