<p>United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday (Feb 1) apologised for hiding his prostate cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Joe Biden and the government stating that he did not handle the situation rightly.</p>

<p>"I want to be crystal clear. We did not handle this right and I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public and I take full responsibility," Austin said.</p>

<p>"I apologize to my teammates and to the American people," he added.</p>

<p>He then said that he had directly apologised to President Biden.</p>

<p>"I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis," he told journalists. "I have apologised directly to President Biden."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-makes-first-appearance-since-secret-hospitalisation-682926">Also read: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returns to Pentagon a month after prostate cancer surgery</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Did not direct staff to conceal hospitalisation'</strong></h2>

<p>Austin claimed that he did not direct his "staff to conceal hospitalisation from anyone" further adding that he had not considered resigning. However, he admitted, "We did not get this right."</p>

<p>Elucidating his current health condition in his address, he said that he was still recovering and has limited use of one leg. He then said that he was using a golf cart to get around the Pentagon building.</p>

<p>"I'm recovering well, but as you can see, I'm still recovering. I'm still having some leg pain and doing physical therapy to get past it. I'm deeply grateful to my doctors and the nursing staff at Walter Reed, and I very much appreciate all the good wishes," the Pentagon chief said.</p>

<p>Earlier, on Jan 29, Austin made his very first appearance at the Pentagon a day after three US soldiers were killed in drone strikes at a military base in Jordan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, he met the secretary general of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, and senior defence officials, including Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.</p>

<h2><strong>Austin's secret hospitalisation</strong></h2>

<p>The 70-year-old underwent surgery on Dec 22 to treat prostate cancer and came back home the same day.</p>

<p>However, he was again hospitalised on Jan 1 for complications including nausea and severe pain and was discharged on Jan 15.</p>

<p>"The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the statement said. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities."</p>

<p>Austin had kept his cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Biden and senior officials a secret until January.</p>

<p>His mishandling of the situation was a violation of the protocol for top-ranking cabinet officials, who reportedly have to inform well in advance of planned medical absences and identify the one who would be filling in for them.</p>

<p>He had earlier released a statement saying that he "could have done a better job" and took "full responsibility" for the secrecy over his hospitalisation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday (Feb 1) apologised for hiding his prostate cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Joe Biden and the government stating that he did not handle the situation rightly.

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday (Feb 1) apologised for hiding his prostate cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Joe Biden and the government stating that he did not handle the situation rightly. "I want to be crystal clear. We did not handle this right and I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public and I take full responsibility," Austin said. "I apologize to my teammates and to the American people," he added. He then said that he had directly apologised to President Biden. "I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis," he told journalists. "I have apologised directly to President Biden." Also read: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returns to Pentagon a month after prostate cancer surgery 'Did not direct staff to conceal hospitalisation' Austin claimed that he did not direct his "staff to conceal hospitalisation from anyone" further adding that he had not considered resigning. However, he admitted, "We did not get this right." Elucidating his current health condition in his address, he said that he was still recovering and has limited use of one leg. He then said that he was using a golf cart to get around the Pentagon building. "I'm recovering well, but as you can see, I'm still recovering. I'm still having some leg pain and doing physical therapy to get past it. I'm deeply grateful to my doctors and the nursing staff at Walter Reed, and I very much appreciate all the good wishes," the Pentagon chief said. Earlier, on Jan 29, Austin made his very first appearance at the Pentagon a day after three US soldiers were killed in drone strikes at a military base in Jordan. According to reports, he met the secretary general of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, and senior defence officials, including Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Austin's secret hospitalisation The 70-year-old underwent surgery on Dec 22 to treat prostate cancer and came back home the same day. However, he was again hospitalised on Jan 1 for complications including nausea and severe pain and was discharged on Jan 15. "The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the statement said. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities." Austin had kept his cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Biden and senior officials a secret until January. His mishandling of the situation was a violation of the protocol for top-ranking cabinet officials, who reportedly have to inform well in advance of planned medical absences and identify the one who would be filling in for them. He had earlier released a statement saying that he "could have done a better job" and took "full responsibility" for the secrecy over his hospitalisation. (With inputs from agencies)

US defense secretary Lloyd Austin apologises for secret hospitalisation: 'I did not handle this right'

<p>United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday (Jan 29) made his very first appearance at the Pentagon since being hospitalised for complications after his prostate cancer surgery.</p>

<p>Austin, who spent two weeks in Walter Reed after being admitted to the military hospital on January 1, arrived at the Pentagon, a day after three US soldiers were killed in drone strikes at a military base in Jordan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, Austin&nbsp;met&nbsp;the secretary general of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, and senior defence officials, including Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Defence Secy. Lloyd Austin called to testify about hospitalisation before Congress</strong></p>

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<p>Notably, it was only last week that he made his first public appearance since the secret hospitalisation. At the time, he&nbsp;attended the conference on Ukraine's military needs virtually from his residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ukraine's fight is important for all of our countries. Ukraine's incredibly brave troops are continuing their battle against the Kremlin's invaders, against a vast front line in Ukraine's east and south in bitter winter weather. Ukraine's defenders continue to inflict significant losses on the Kremlin's forces," the Pentagon chief said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Putin continues to sacrifice staggering numbers of Russian troops in his rash and reckless war of choice, and Putin hopes that missiles and drones will demoralize the Ukrainian people and break the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian military. So I urge this group to dig deep to provide Ukraine with more life-saving, ground-based air defence systems and interceptors. And Ukraine has answered Putin's cruelty with courage and defiance," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LIVE: <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Lloyd J. Austin III speaks from the Pentagon at a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. <a href="https://t.co/SBTX6R8Fs5">https://t.co/SBTX6R8Fs5</a></p>
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense/status/1749779453608087830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, Austin in the meeting also highlighted a military package worth $250 million announced by Washington in the month of December but did not make mention of any new American aid.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/desaster-again-desantis-quotes-budweiser-thinking-words-are-from-churchill-says-report-682896">'DeSaster' again: DeSantis quotes Budweiser thinking words are from Churchill, says report</a></p>

<h2><strong>Austin's secret hospitalisation</strong></h2>

<p>The 70-year-old underwent surgery on Dec 22 to treat prostate cancer and came back home the same day.</p>

<p>However, he was again hospitalised on Jan 1 for complications including nausea and severe pain and was discharged on Jan 15.</p>

<p>"The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the statement said. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities."</p>

<p>Austin had kept his cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Biden and senior officials a secret until January.</p>

<p>His mishandling of the situation was a violation of the protocol for top-ranking cabinet officials, who reportedly have to inform well in advance of planned medical absences and identify the one who would be filling in for them.</p>

<p>He had earlier released a statement saying that he "could have done a better job" and took "full responsibility" for the secrecy over his hospitalisation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday (Jan 29) made his very first appearance at the Pentagon since being hospitalised for complications after his prostate cancer surgery.

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday (Jan 29) made his very first appearance at the Pentagon since being hospitalised for complications after his prostate cancer surgery. Austin, who spent two weeks in Walter Reed after being admitted to the military hospital on January 1, arrived at the Pentagon, a day after three US soldiers were killed in drone strikes at a military base in Jordan. According to reports, Austin met the secretary general of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, and senior defence officials, including Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Watch | US Defence Secy. Lloyd Austin called to testify about hospitalisation before Congress × Notably, it was only last week that he made his first public appearance since the secret hospitalisation. At the time, he attended the conference on Ukraine's military needs virtually from his residence. "Ukraine's fight is important for all of our countries. Ukraine's incredibly brave troops are continuing their battle against the Kremlin's invaders, against a vast front line in Ukraine's east and south in bitter winter weather. Ukraine's defenders continue to inflict significant losses on the Kremlin's forces," the Pentagon chief said. "Putin continues to sacrifice staggering numbers of Russian troops in his rash and reckless war of choice, and Putin hopes that missiles and drones will demoralize the Ukrainian people and break the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian military. So I urge this group to dig deep to provide Ukraine with more life-saving, ground-based air defence systems and interceptors. And Ukraine has answered Putin's cruelty with courage and defiance," he added. LIVE: @SecDef Lloyd J. Austin III speaks from the Pentagon at a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. https://t.co/SBTX6R8Fs5 — Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) January 23, 2024 × Furthermore, Austin in the meeting also highlighted a military package worth $250 million announced by Washington in the month of December but did not make mention of any new American aid. Also read: 'DeSaster' again: DeSantis quotes Budweiser thinking words are from Churchill, says report Austin's secret hospitalisation The 70-year-old underwent surgery on Dec 22 to treat prostate cancer and came back home the same day. However, he was again hospitalised on Jan 1 for complications including nausea and severe pain and was discharged on Jan 15. "The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the statement said. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities." Austin had kept his cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Biden and senior officials a secret until January. His mishandling of the situation was a violation of the protocol for top-ranking cabinet officials, who reportedly have to inform well in advance of planned medical absences and identify the one who would be filling in for them. He had earlier released a statement saying that he "could have done a better job" and took "full responsibility" for the secrecy over his hospitalisation. (With inputs from agencies)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returns to Pentagon a month after prostate cancer surgery

<p>The White House has set new guidelines for cabinet notifications following Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalisation was not disclosed for days to&nbsp;President Joe Biden and his top aides.</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Associated Press early Saturday (Jan 27), the new guidelines include half-a-dozen instructions for Cabinet agencies to follow when there is a “delegation of authority,” or when secretaries temporarily transfer their authority to a deputy when unreachable due to medical issues, travel or other reasons.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the White House say</strong></h2>

<p>In a memo to the Cabinet, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients said, "Through your submissions, you demonstrated your commitment to notifying the White House in the event of a delegation – and upon assumption of a delegation, establishing contact with the White House."</p>

<p>Zients pointed out that some existing guidelines among agencies differed because of various laws, regulations, and executive orders. But through this process we are assured that all agencies have a set of standard protocols they must follow in the event of a delegation of authority, the memo said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-makes-first-appearance-since-secret-hospitalisation-682926">US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes first appearance since secret hospitalisation</a></strong></p>

<p>With the new guidelines, Cabinet agencies must notify the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs and Zients’ office when they’re anticipating a delegation of authority and again when the delegation happens, the report said.</p>

<p>It added that once the interim leader assumed authority, that person must contact his or her primary counterpart at the White House and the agency must follow any other notifications that are required under law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The memo further stated that agencies should ensure that authority is transferred when a Cabinet official is “travelling to areas with limited or no access to communication, undergoing hospitalization or a medical procedure requiring general anaesthesia, or otherwise in a circumstance when he or she may be unreachable.”</p>

<h2><strong>Austin to make full recovery</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, the Pentagon had said that Austin had a prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer on Dec 22 last year, for which he underwent general anaesthesia at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The White House was not informed about the procedure, and Austin, 70, transferred some of his authority to US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.</p>

<p>On Jan 1 this year, Austin returned to the medical centre after being in severe pain and was admitted to intensive care. Here too, he transferred some authority to Hicks, who was on vacation in Puerto Rico.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Lloyd Austin called to testify about hospitalisation before Congress</strong></p>

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<p>Hicks was not informed why she was having authorities delegated to her. The White House was not informed about Austin's hospitalisation until Jan 4, and President Biden did not learn of the 70-year-old's cancer diagnosis until Jan 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Republican lawmakers called for Austin to be sacked from the top Pentagon post. Meanwhile, a statement by the Pentagon said that Austin is likely to make a full recovery from prostate cancer and his prognosis is "excellent."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The White House has set new guidelines for cabinet notifications following Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalisation was not disclosed for days to President Joe Biden and his top aides.

The White House has set new guidelines for cabinet notifications following Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalisation was not disclosed for days to President Joe Biden and his top aides. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press early Saturday (Jan 27), the new guidelines include half-a-dozen instructions for Cabinet agencies to follow when there is a “delegation of authority,” or when secretaries temporarily transfer their authority to a deputy when unreachable due to medical issues, travel or other reasons. What did the White House say In a memo to the Cabinet, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients said, "Through your submissions, you demonstrated your commitment to notifying the White House in the event of a delegation – and upon assumption of a delegation, establishing contact with the White House." Zients pointed out that some existing guidelines among agencies differed because of various laws, regulations, and executive orders. But through this process we are assured that all agencies have a set of standard protocols they must follow in the event of a delegation of authority, the memo said. Also read | US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes first appearance since secret hospitalisation With the new guidelines, Cabinet agencies must notify the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs and Zients’ office when they’re anticipating a delegation of authority and again when the delegation happens, the report said. It added that once the interim leader assumed authority, that person must contact his or her primary counterpart at the White House and the agency must follow any other notifications that are required under law. The memo further stated that agencies should ensure that authority is transferred when a Cabinet official is “travelling to areas with limited or no access to communication, undergoing hospitalization or a medical procedure requiring general anaesthesia, or otherwise in a circumstance when he or she may be unreachable.” Austin to make full recovery Earlier this month, the Pentagon had said that Austin had a prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer on Dec 22 last year, for which he underwent general anaesthesia at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The White House was not informed about the procedure, and Austin, 70, transferred some of his authority to US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. On Jan 1 this year, Austin returned to the medical centre after being in severe pain and was admitted to intensive care. Here too, he transferred some authority to Hicks, who was on vacation in Puerto Rico. Also watch | Lloyd Austin called to testify about hospitalisation before Congress × Hicks was not informed why she was having authorities delegated to her. The White House was not informed about Austin's hospitalisation until Jan 4, and President Biden did not learn of the 70-year-old's cancer diagnosis until Jan 9. Republican lawmakers called for Austin to be sacked from the top Pentagon post. Meanwhile, a statement by the Pentagon said that Austin is likely to make a full recovery from prostate cancer and his prognosis is "excellent." (With inputs from agencies)

US sets new guidelines for Cabinet notifications following Pentagon chief's secret hospitalisation

<p>US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was discharged from the hospital on Monday (Jan 15), after a two-week stay for undisclosed complications following secret prostate cancer surgery.</p>

<p>"The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the statement said. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities."</p>

<p>The 70-year-old, who kept the cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Biden and senior officials until January, will continue to work from home during his recovery.</p>

<p>President Biden acknowledged the lapse in communication but expressed confidence in Austin, who was initially admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Dec. 22 and underwent surgery after a routine screening detected the cancer earlier that month, as reported by Seattle Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-it-shot-down-anti-ship-cruise-missile-from-houthi-area-of-yemen-targeting-uss-laboon-679991">Also read |&nbsp;US claims it shot down anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi area of Yemen targeting USS Laboon</a></p>

<p>Austin has shown positive progress during his time at the hospital, with his strength improving, according to Dr John Maddox, trauma medical director, and Dr&nbsp;Gregory Chesnut, director of the Center for Prostate Disease Research at Walter Reed's Murtha Cancer Center, who spoke to NPR.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He underwent a series of medical tests and evaluations and received non-surgical care during his stay to address his medical needs, to include resolving some lingering leg pains," they said in the statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Is Biden frustrated with Netanyahu? | What's Israel post-war plan for Gaza?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Cancer diagnosis and complications</strong></h2>

<p>In December 2023, Austin received a prostate cancer diagnosis after a routine health check. He underwent a prostatectomy on Dec. 22, a procedure that involved the surgical removal of the prostate gland, unbeknownst to the White House. Austin recovered and returned home the next day. However, on Jan&nbsp;1, he was hospitalised at Walter Reed due to complications, including severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain, stemming from a urinary tract infection. The subsequent intensive care unit evaluation identified abdominal fluid collections affecting his small intestine function.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was discharged from the hospital on Monday (Jan 15), after a two-week stay for undisclosed complications following secret prostate cancer surgery.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was discharged from the hospital on Monday (Jan 15), after a two-week stay for undisclosed complications following secret prostate cancer surgery. "The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the statement said. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities." The 70-year-old, who kept the cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Biden and senior officials until January, will continue to work from home during his recovery. President Biden acknowledged the lapse in communication but expressed confidence in Austin, who was initially admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Dec. 22 and underwent surgery after a routine screening detected the cancer earlier that month, as reported by Seattle Times. Also read | US claims it shot down anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi area of Yemen targeting USS Laboon Austin has shown positive progress during his time at the hospital, with his strength improving, according to Dr John Maddox, trauma medical director, and Dr Gregory Chesnut, director of the Center for Prostate Disease Research at Walter Reed's Murtha Cancer Center, who spoke to NPR. "He underwent a series of medical tests and evaluations and received non-surgical care during his stay to address his medical needs, to include resolving some lingering leg pains," they said in the statement. Also watch | Gravitas | Is Biden frustrated with Netanyahu? | What's Israel post-war plan for Gaza? Cancer diagnosis and complications In December 2023, Austin received a prostate cancer diagnosis after a routine health check. He underwent a prostatectomy on Dec. 22, a procedure that involved the surgical removal of the prostate gland, unbeknownst to the White House. Austin recovered and returned home the next day. However, on Jan 1, he was hospitalised at Walter Reed due to complications, including severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain, stemming from a urinary tract infection. The subsequent intensive care unit evaluation identified abdominal fluid collections affecting his small intestine function. (With inputs from agencies)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discharged after secret cancer surgery hospitalisation fiasco

<p>US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has courted controversy for hiding his medical condition from the White House amid the delicate geopolitical landscape involving the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war. There have been calls for his resignation from critics who say the senior government official violated the law by failing to report his hospitalisation to his bosses. The incident soon snowballed into a so-called transparency scandal.</p>

<h2><strong>What did Austin do?</strong></h2>

<p>Austin, 70, was hospitalised on New Year's Day (Jan 1) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre&nbsp;due to complications from an elective medical procedure.</p>

<p>Surprisingly, the Pentagon did not make any official announcement until four days later while waiting to notify other top government officers about Austin's absence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the period, Austin was away from action, and some of his powers were transferred&nbsp;to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.</p>

<p>However, even she was not informed that his boss had been hospitalised until two days later.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the doctors say?</strong></h2>

<p>Austin was attended to by a team of doctors who later released a medical bulletin informing about his medical history for the last month.</p>

<p>The doctors clarified that prior to the New Year's Day admission to ICU, Austin had undergone minor surgery on December 22 after early detection of prostate cancer in routine screening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As part of Secretary Austin's routinely recommended health screening, he has undergone regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) surveillance. Changes in his laboratory evaluation in early December 2023 identified prostate cancer which required treatment," read the statement issued by&nbsp;Dr John Maddox, Trauma Medical Director, and Dr Gregory Chesnut, Center for Prostate Disease Research of the Murtha Cancer Center Director, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On December 22, 2023, after consultation with his medical team, he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure called a prostatectomy to treat and cure prostate cancer," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the procedure, Austin recovered without event and returned home the next morning. However, complications soon emerged and evaluation revealed that abdominal fluid collection was impairing the function of his small intestines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This resulted in the back up of his intestinal contents which was treated by placing a tube through his nose to drain his stomach. The abdominal fluid collections were drained by non-surgical drain placement."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-admitted-to-intensive-care-for-complications-from-prostate-cancer-surgery-678419"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US Defence Secy Lloyd Austin was admitted to ICU for complications from prostate cancer surgery</strong></a></p>

<h2 data-testid="paragraph-20"><strong>Was Austin ever unconscious?</strong></h2>

<p data-testid="paragraph-20">According to the Pentagon, Austin arrived at the hospital after booking an ambulance in a conscious state. He was later admitted to ICU where he underwent the aforementioned procedures.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-20">The Pentagon clarified that Austin was in a significant amount of pain but did not say if the painkiller medicines he had taken altered his judgment.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What should have Austin done?</strong></h2>

<p>Whatever medical condition a senior government official of the stature of Austin goes through, the protocol mandates that they inform the public of planned medical absences ahead of time.</p>

<p>Additionally, they should identify the associates who would be filling in for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Legally speaking, Austin may have violated internal&nbsp;US Department of Defense protocols.</p>

<p>According to legal experts, the law is largely procedural and does not spell out any penalties for lapses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Being the secretary of defence, Austin is required to be available at a moment's notice to answer any national security crisis.</p>

<p>However, his absence put the country in danger - a mistake that could have been easily avoided.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austins-secret-hospitalization-all-you-need-to-know-677912"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US defense secretary Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalization: All you need to know</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What did the White House say?</strong></h2>

<p>The White House on Monday (Jan 8) said that Austin would be continuing in his job, adding there was no plan for anything else.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said,&nbsp;"There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the DoD was conducting a full review of the incident to determine how future lapses could be prevented.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-will-stay-in-job-says-white-house-678203">Also read |&nbsp;US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will stay in job, says White House</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Will&nbsp;Pentagon intervene?</strong></h2>

<p>"We are considering the impact of any statutory reporting requirements and will provide updates as appropriate,"&nbsp;Chief Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-20">Ryder further said the reporting requirements being examined would not just involve Congress. "It's to Congress, the White House or anyone else," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>What is prostate cancer?</strong></h2>

<p>Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer among American men, and impacts 1 in every 8 men - and 1 in every 6 African-American men - during their lifetime.</p>

<p>Despite the frequency of prostate cancer, discussions about screening, treatment, and support are often deeply personal and private ones. Early screening is important for detection and treatment of prostate cancer and people should talk to their doctors to see what screening is appropriate for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has courted controversy for hiding his medical condition from the White House amid the delicate geopolitical landscape involving the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has courted controversy for hiding his medical condition from the White House amid the delicate geopolitical landscape involving the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war. There have been calls for his resignation from critics who say the senior government official violated the law by failing to report his hospitalisation to his bosses. The incident soon snowballed into a so-called transparency scandal. What did Austin do? Austin, 70, was hospitalised on New Year's Day (Jan 1) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre due to complications from an elective medical procedure. Surprisingly, the Pentagon did not make any official announcement until four days later while waiting to notify other top government officers about Austin's absence. During the period, Austin was away from action, and some of his powers were transferred to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. However, even she was not informed that his boss had been hospitalised until two days later. What did the doctors say? Austin was attended to by a team of doctors who later released a medical bulletin informing about his medical history for the last month. The doctors clarified that prior to the New Year's Day admission to ICU, Austin had undergone minor surgery on December 22 after early detection of prostate cancer in routine screening. "As part of Secretary Austin's routinely recommended health screening, he has undergone regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) surveillance. Changes in his laboratory evaluation in early December 2023 identified prostate cancer which required treatment," read the statement issued by Dr John Maddox, Trauma Medical Director, and Dr Gregory Chesnut, Center for Prostate Disease Research of the Murtha Cancer Center Director, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. "On December 22, 2023, after consultation with his medical team, he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure called a prostatectomy to treat and cure prostate cancer," it added. After the procedure, Austin recovered without event and returned home the next morning. However, complications soon emerged and evaluation revealed that abdominal fluid collection was impairing the function of his small intestines. "This resulted in the back up of his intestinal contents which was treated by placing a tube through his nose to drain his stomach. The abdominal fluid collections were drained by non-surgical drain placement." Also read | US Defence Secy Lloyd Austin was admitted to ICU for complications from prostate cancer surgery Was Austin ever unconscious? According to the Pentagon, Austin arrived at the hospital after booking an ambulance in a conscious state. He was later admitted to ICU where he underwent the aforementioned procedures. The Pentagon clarified that Austin was in a significant amount of pain but did not say if the painkiller medicines he had taken altered his judgment. What should have Austin done? Whatever medical condition a senior government official of the stature of Austin goes through, the protocol mandates that they inform the public of planned medical absences ahead of time. Additionally, they should identify the associates who would be filling in for them. Legally speaking, Austin may have violated internal US Department of Defense protocols. According to legal experts, the law is largely procedural and does not spell out any penalties for lapses. Being the secretary of defence, Austin is required to be available at a moment's notice to answer any national security crisis. However, his absence put the country in danger - a mistake that could have been easily avoided. Watch | US defense secretary Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalization: All you need to know × What did the White House say? The White House on Monday (Jan 8) said that Austin would be continuing in his job, adding there was no plan for anything else. Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said, "There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job." However, the DoD was conducting a full review of the incident to determine how future lapses could be prevented. Also read | US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will stay in job, says White House Will Pentagon intervene? "We are considering the impact of any statutory reporting requirements and will provide updates as appropriate," Chief Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters. Ryder further said the reporting requirements being examined would not just involve Congress. "It's to Congress, the White House or anyone else," he said. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer among American men, and impacts 1 in every 8 men - and 1 in every 6 African-American men - during their lifetime. Despite the frequency of prostate cancer, discussions about screening, treatment, and support are often deeply personal and private ones. Early screening is important for detection and treatment of prostate cancer and people should talk to their doctors to see what screening is appropriate for them. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | The secret hospitalisation of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidjg4W5OxMnB2f" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The White House said on Monday (Jan 8) that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would stay in his job, adding there is no plan for anything else. Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said,&nbsp;"There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kirby said that President Joe Biden respected the fact that Austin took ownership of the lack of transparency but said that there would be a review of procedures in the wake of the incident.</p>

<p>Kirby also said that there is an exception among members of Biden’s Cabinet that if one becomes hospitalised, “that will be notified up the chain of command.”</p>

<h2><strong>What happened to Austin?</strong></h2>

<p>Lloyd Austin, the Pentagon chief, was hospitalised on Jan 1 due to complications from an elective medical procedure. The Pentagon did not make any public announcement until four days later and also waited to notify other top government figures.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-rejects-republican-calls-for-biden-to-sack-austin-678005">White House rejects Republican calls for Biden to sack US Defence Secretary Austin</a></strong></p>

<p>On Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder told journalists that Austin, 77, underwent an unspecified medical procedure on Dec 22 and was discharged the following day, but began experiencing "severe pain" on Jan 1 and was taken by ambulance to Walter Reed.</p>

<p>Some of Austin's authorities were transferred to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks on Jan 2, but she was not told that he was hospitalised until two days later, Ryder said, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 77-year-old faced widespread criticism for waiting days to inform the White House and Congress about his hospitalisation, keeping key officials in the dark about his status amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and tensions in the Middle East.</p>

<h2><strong>Republicans call for Austin's removal</strong></h2>

<p>Some Republican lawmakers including former president Donald Trump called for Austin's resignation. In a social media post, Trump said that Austin “should be fired immediately for improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty.”</p>

<p>Last Saturday, Austin said that he took "full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure," and admitted that he "could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The White House said on Monday (Jan 8) that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would stay in his job, adding there is no plan for anything else. Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said, "There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job.

The White House said on Monday (Jan 8) that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would stay in his job, adding there is no plan for anything else. Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said, "There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job." Kirby said that President Joe Biden respected the fact that Austin took ownership of the lack of transparency but said that there would be a review of procedures in the wake of the incident. Kirby also said that there is an exception among members of Biden’s Cabinet that if one becomes hospitalised, “that will be notified up the chain of command.” What happened to Austin? Lloyd Austin, the Pentagon chief, was hospitalised on Jan 1 due to complications from an elective medical procedure. The Pentagon did not make any public announcement until four days later and also waited to notify other top government figures. Also read: White House rejects Republican calls for Biden to sack US Defence Secretary Austin On Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder told journalists that Austin, 77, underwent an unspecified medical procedure on Dec 22 and was discharged the following day, but began experiencing "severe pain" on Jan 1 and was taken by ambulance to Walter Reed. Some of Austin's authorities were transferred to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks on Jan 2, but she was not told that he was hospitalised until two days later, Ryder said, the news agency AFP reported. The 77-year-old faced widespread criticism for waiting days to inform the White House and Congress about his hospitalisation, keeping key officials in the dark about his status amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and tensions in the Middle East. Republicans call for Austin's removal Some Republican lawmakers including former president Donald Trump called for Austin's resignation. In a social media post, Trump said that Austin “should be fired immediately for improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty.” Last Saturday, Austin said that he took "full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure," and admitted that he "could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed." (With inputs from agencies)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will stay in job, says White House