'I take full responsibility,' US defence secretary on secret hospitalisation

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged full responsibility for the secrecy surrounding his ongoing hospitalization due to an unspecified medical condition. Austin, 70, was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on New Year's Day for complications following a recent elective medical procedure. The Pentagon's delayed disclosure raised concerns, and Austin expressed commitment to better communication. While he resumed full duties on Friday, details of his medical condition, including the extent of delegation to Deputy Kathleen Hicks, remain undisclosed. Critics, including the Pentagon Press Association and Military Reporters and Editors, condemned the lack of transparency, citing the public's right to know about the health status of top defence leaders, especially during global security challenges.

"मैं पूर्ण जिम्मेदारी लेता हूँ,’ सीक्रेट अस्पतालीकरण पर अमेरिकी रक्षा मंत्री ने कहा।