White House: Secretary Austin needs further medical attention

White House spokesman for National Security John Kirby said Sunday that Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's doctors think he may need further health care.

We'll see when he can get out of the hospital, but doctors think he still needs medical attention, including physical therapy,” Mr. Kirby said in an interview for the “Face the Nation” television CBS.

Mr. Kirby said President Joe Biden and Mr. Austin “are in regular communication” and that the secretary is “actively engaged” from the hospital.

Mr. Austin is still in hospital and in good condition, the Pentagon said on Sunday, adding that there is still no date for his exit.

Defence Secretary, 70, was admitted to the National Military Medical Centre “Walter Reed” in Maryland on 22 December to be treated for prostate cancer.

He returned to the hospital on January 1st because of complications, including a urinary infection.

Mr. Biden said on Friday that he trusts Secretary Austin, despite the fact that he admitted that Mr. Austin had made a mistake of keeping him secret in the hospital.

The White House was taken by surprise when it learned of Mr. Austin's hospital stay and that he kept that secret was criticized by lawmakers. / VOA