US Secretary hospitalized

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized again due to a recurring bladder issue, it was announced. Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said in a statement that Austin was readmitted to the hospital on Sunday "due to symptoms suggesting an urgent bladder issue."

DEPUTY SECRETARY MAY ASSUME DUTIES

Ryder stated, "At this time, the Secretary is maintaining the functions and duties of his office. If necessary, the Deputy Secretary is prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of the Secretary." The Pentagon spokesperson noted that Secretary Austin brought with him the "communication systems necessary to perform his designated and undesignated duties" to the hospital where he was admitted. Ryder emphasized that Austin "never lost consciousness and was not placed under anesthesia," and highlighted that his condition is improving.

WHAT HAD HAPPENED?

The delayed announcement of Secretary Austin's hospitalization had sparked controversy in the US. In an initial written statement from the Pentagon on January 5, it was announced that Austin had been hospitalized on January 1 and was in good condition. It was later revealed that senior officials, including President Joe Biden, as well as Pentagon staff and members of Congress, had learned of Austin's hospitalization days later.

Following the ongoing controversy, the Pentagon shared information that Secretary Austin had been hospitalized on December 22, 2023, for a procedure to treat prostate cancer and was discharged the following day, but was readmitted on January 1 due to subsequent complications. The hospitalization of Austin and the failure to provide necessary information to senior officials, including the White House, and the public during the subsequent process drew backlash, and the US House Armed Services Committee announced that it had launched an investigation into the Secretary of Defense's secret hospitalization. It was later reported on January 15 that Austin's treatment had concluded and he had been discharged.

News Source: AA