WASHINGTON: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was discharged from the hospital on Monday, two weeks after being hospitalized due to complications from prostate cancer, the Pentagon said.
“Following consultation with medical staff, Secretary Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center today,” said the statement.
It added the Secretary will perform his duties from home before returning full-time to the Pentagon. The Pentagon chief will have full access to required secure communications capabilities.
The statement further said that Secretary Austin progressed well throughout his stay and his strength is rebounding.
“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. He was discharged home with planned physical therapy and regular follow up. The Secretary is expected to make a full recovery,” it said.
According to the statement Secretary Austin’s prostate cancer was treated early and effectively, and his prognosis is excellent.
It is to be noted that hospitalization of 70-year old Austin was not revealed until four days later and the Pentagon did not specify why he was being treated until January 9.
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The defense secretary is just below the president in the chain of command for the US military, and is regarded as one of the most important members of the Cabinet.
Prominent Republicans, including Donald Trump have asked Joe Biden to remove Austin from his job.
However, the Pentagon categorically said the retired four-star general had no plans to resign. While the White House also said that Biden was not seeking to remove the Pentagon chief.
