The Defense Department‘s top doctor is concerned about sequestration’s effects on patients, staff and facilities in the military healthcare system.
Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary for health affairs, told the House Armed Services Committee will take away funding used to maintain, restore and update military medical facilities, American Forces Press Service reports.
“This will negatively affect the health care environment and potentially drive substantial bills for facility maintenance in the future,†Woodson said, according to AFPS.
“While we will continue to fund projects that directly affect patient safety or that affect emergent care, we could see a degradation in the aesthetic quality and functionality of our medical facilities,†he added.
Woodson also told the committee the department may have to shift research and development funds toward keeping patient care at current levels, Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. writes.
