Pentagon confirms US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin continues receiving care at the hospital

The Pentagon has stated that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in "good condition" after receiving treatment for prostate cancer. Mr. Austin has resumed some of his duties and is communicating with his senior staff. Although there is no specific release date from the hospital, his condition is being closely monitored. Mr. Austin, 70, was admitted to the intensive care unit on January 1st due to complications from surgery performed in late December. However, it was not until three days later that senior defense officials and the White House were made aware of the seriousness of his illness. In a statement released by Pentagon press secretary Maj Gen Pat Ryder, it was reported that Mr. Austin maintains full access to necessary secure communications capabilities and is monitoring the Department of Defense's global operations. Gen Ryder promised to provide daily updates on his condition. As the defense secretary is a key figure in the US military, his secret hospitalization has raised concerns about security and transparency. This has led to the initiation of three investigations into how his health crisis was handled at the White House. The Pentagon's inspector general has committed to conducting its own investigation, in addition to the 30-day assessment ordered by the cabinet secretary's office and a review conducted by the White House. Mr. Austin has faced criticism for not informing senior officials about his treatment for several days and has apologized for failing to keep the public properly informed. President Joe Biden has expressed support for Mr. Austin but acknowledges that it was "sub-optimal" that the seriousness of his illness was not disclosed. In response to this incident, the White House has mandated that cabinet secretaries must notify the administration when they are unable to fulfill their duties.