WASHINGTON, March 13, 2013 – The Pentagon’s top health affairs official today detailed for Congress the immediate and long-term effects of sequestration on the Defense Department’s military health care system and its medical mission.Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, told the House Armed Services Committee that the spending cuts that took effect March 1 will affect patients, staff and facilities.
But he emphasized that the Defense Department “cannot and will not” compromise care in the face of the cuts.
“First, our commitment to quality of care is sacrosanct,” he said. “We will not allow quality to suffer or place any patient at risk, period.”
The department also will ensure that wounded warriors continue to receive the care they need.
“Our continued focus on their medical treatment and rehabilitation will continue,” Woodson said. “It is our goal to make sure that wounded warriors -- from their perspective -- see no difference in care they received before, during or after sequestration.” In addition, Woodson said, DOD will sustain its close collaboration with federal and private partners, and in particular with the Veterans Affairs Department.
Woodson explained the potential effects on military medical treatment facilities and their staffs. read more>>>
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