HHS secretary Azar readmitted to hospital

by Jessie Hellmann - 04/18/18 11:09 AM ET

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar has been readmitted to the hospital for an intestinal condition.

Azar was initially admitted over the weekend, but was released and has been working from home in Indiana.

He has since been readmitted for additional treatment and observation, according to HHS spokeswoman Caitlin Oakley.

“Secretary Azar has been and will continue to be in regular contact with HHS leadership, the White House, and members of Congress as he remains fully engaged with the responsibilities of his job,” said Oakley.

“He and his family very much appreciate all of the well wishes and thoughts, and they are incredibly grateful for the doctors and nurses taking great care of him. Secretary Azar hopes to be back in his office at HHS as soon as possible, consistent with his needed recovery and the recommendations of his doctors, and we will continue to provide updates as available.”

Azar has diverticulitis, an infection of pouches in the colon that can be painful.

The developments led to Azar postponing a hearing Thursday in D.C. on the HHS budget.

Azar, 50, who was sworn in in January, has said fighting high drug prices is a priority, and the Trump administration is preparing to release a request for information on proposals later this month. President Trump is set to give a speech on the issue on April 26.