THE United States of America Defence Secretary, Llyod Austin has been admitted to intensive care due to complications arising from prostate cancer surgery, according to statements from doctors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre.
The surgery was conducted on December 22 after early detection through routine screening and Austin returned home the next day. However, on January 1, Austin was readmitted to the hospital due to complications, including severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain, along with nausea. The doctors identified a urinary tract infection, requiring further treatment.
The doctors reportedly said, “He continues to make progress and we anticipate a full recovery although this can be a slow process. During this stay, Secretary Austin never lost consciousness and never underwent general anesthesia.” The delayed disclosure of Austin’s hospitalisation has stirred controversy, with criticism directed at him for not informing the White House promptly.
The Pentagon did not make a public announcement until four days after his hospitalisation, and key officials were kept in the dark about his condition amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and its repercussions on American forces in Iraq and Syria, as well as international shipping.
By Desmond Nleya, Daily Times
