Senior officials at the US Department of Veterans Affairs have imposed a new requirement for VA physicians and scientists, mandating they seek approval from political appointees before publishing research or engaging with the public. This directive follows a publication that highlighted the negative impact of budget cuts on veteran healthcare. The move raises concerns over transparency and the political interference in scientific communication, further complicating the already precarious situation for veterans seeking necessary medical care for conditions linked to military service.
VA physicians and scientists are now required to obtain approval from political appointees before speaking publicly or publishing, limiting transparency and academic freedom.
The article published by VA pulmonologists warned that staff reductions jeopardize veteran healthcare, highlighting that legislation alone does not address patient needs.
Emails from VA officials indicated frustration over the published paper, emphasizing the need for their guidelines to be followed, which could undermine the integrity of scientific discourse.
The internal directive serves as a chilling reminder of the political influence over independent scientific communication within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
#department-of-veterans-affairs #healthcare-policy #political-influence #veteran-affairs #medical-research
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