Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Orders Military Health System Review

Statement

Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby provided the following statement:
"On Tuesday, Secretary Hagel outlined the parameters of the comprehensive review he ordered of the department's military health system.

"The 90-day review will be led by Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work, with the assistance of the acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness and the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, and the direct participation of the secretaries of the military departments and the service chiefs. In addition, Secretary Hagel has asked Deputy Secretary Work to solicit the perspectives of outside experts in the areas of patient safety and quality care.

"The review will focus on the following core areas: access to health care, safety of care, and quality of care.

"Secretary Hagel has requested regular updates on the progress of the review. Additionally, Secretary Hagel expects an initial update by June 6 and the final report to be delivered to him no later than August 29.

"As the secretary has made clear, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our people. To the degree we learn about issues affecting the health care of our military health beneficiaries, including active duty service members, retirees, and their eligible family members, we will address them."

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