US: Defence secy Lloyd Austin to undergo medical procedure; will transfer power to deputy

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Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will have a medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre Friday evening. He will delegate all of his authority to his deputy, according to the Associated Press.

According to the agency report, Austin is struggling with a bladder problem that occurred in December after undergoing prostate cancer treatments.

The technique is elective, less invasive. "Is not related to his cancer diagnosis and has had no effect on his excellent cancer prognosis," the press secretary stated.

According to insiders, Austin will delegate responsibility to Deputy Secretary of Defence Kathleen Hicks while indisposed.

Austin is 70 years old and has been dealing with a number of health issues following surgery to treat a prostate cancer diagnosis. He spent two weeks in the hospital due to complications from a prostatectomy. Austin attracted criticism at the time for failing to notify the president or Congress of his diagnosis or hospitalisation.

Austin returned to Walter Reed in February with a bladder problem, was sent to intensive care for the second time, and underwent a non-surgical treatment under general anaesthesia.

Ryder said the Pentagon has contacted the White House and Congress.

Austin faced widespread criticism earlier this year for failing to notify key government officials, including President Biden, about his cancer diagnosis, following surgery, and emergency hospitalisation due to complications.

The retired Army general suffered problems from a Dec. 22 prostatectomy and was transported to Walter Reed on New Year's Day evening with "severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain," which was subsequently revealed to be caused by a urinary tract infection.

"I should have promptly informed the president, my team in Congress, and the American people of my cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment," Austin told congressional members in February.

"We did not handle this right," he said, adding, "and I did not handle it right."

The Pentagon said it would offer an update on Austin's condition following his Friday medical treatment.