Restructuring military treatment centers

Keesler Medical Center will not be part of the defense department’s plan to restructure 50 military hospitals across the nation.

The defense department’s authorization act is focused on restructuring and realigning military treatment facilities for only active-duty personnel. These clinics are being improved to better support wartime readiness of military personnel and to improve clinical training for medical forces who deploy in support of combat operations around the world.

Of the 343 facilities in the nation, 77 were selected for additional assessment, with 21 identified for no changes, including Keesler Medical Center.

In a statement today, Senator Roger Wicker says the report is positive news for the thousands of service members, veterans, and community members who rely on the unit. He goes on to say he ‘will continue to fight any attempts to downgrade the facility’s capabilities.’