US secretary of defense discharged from hospital

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday following a procedure for a bladder issue

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin left the hospital on Tuesday after undergoing a procedure for a bladder issue. This health concern comes after a previous episode related to complications from prostate cancer surgery, which sparked controversy over the handling of the situation. 

The Defense Department confirmed that Austin, 70, is recovering well and has resumed his full duties. However, based on medical advice, he will continue his recovery remotely from home before returning to the Pentagon later this week. 

According to a statement from doctors at Walter Reed National Medical Center, Austin received treatment for a bladder issue, which was resolved using non-surgical methods. 

In late December, Austin underwent treatment for prostate cancer and was hospitalized for two weeks in January due to complications from the surgery. This delay in informing President Joe Biden and Congress about his health situation caused a public outcry. The recent health setback led to the cancellation of his trip to Brussels, and he delegated his responsibilities to his deputy. 

Following his initial hospitalization, Austin publicly apologized for the lack of transparency regarding his illness, including the delayed notification of his cancer diagnosis to President Joe Biden. He returned to work at the Pentagon on Jan. 29 after nearly a month of absence. 

The handling of this situation prompted criticism from members of Congress, who called for explanations. The Pentagon’s internal watchdog announced an investigation into the adequacy of procedures within the Defense Department to ensure appropriate notifications and the transfer of authority in the event of a senior leader falling ill. 

 Source: Newsroom