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Jimmy Williams
In a recent investigation conducted by the Department of Defense Inspector General, serious lapses in the handling of controlled medications by the White House Medical Unit during the Trump administration have come to light. The 80-page report, released on January 8, exposes a range of issues, from ineffective internal controls to improper medical practices.
Systemic Problems in White House Medical Unit Pharmacy Operations
The investigation, initiated in 2018 following complaints about improper medical practices, found that “all phases of the White House Medical Unit’s pharmacy operations had severe and systemic problems due to the unit’s reliance on ineffective internal controls to ensure compliance with pharmacy safety standards.” The issues identified were primarily concentrated between 2017 and 2019, coinciding with the peak of the Trump administration.
Improper Medication Distribution and Compliance Violations
One of the striking revelations of the report is that the White House Medical Unit provided a wide range of health care and pharmaceutical services to ineligible White House staff in violation of federal law and regulations. This included dispensing prescription medications, including controlled substances, to individuals not meeting the eligibility criteria.
Witnesses detailed how pharmacy staff would prepare packets of controlled medications, such as Ambien (a sedative) and Provigil (a stimulant), for White House staff ahead of overseas trips. The report indicates a lack of proper controls and oversight, as these medications were often handed out with minimal scrutiny.
Financial Excesses and Record-Keeping Concerns
Financial inefficiencies were also highlighted in the report. The pharmacy’s messy, handwritten records and overspending on brand-name medications raised questions about compliance with federal laws and Department of Defense regulations.
Between 2017 and 2019, the White House reportedly spent exorbitant amounts on brand-name medications, including an estimated $46,500 on brand-name Ambien and $98,000 on brand-name Provigil. These figures, the report notes, are significantly higher than the cost of generic equivalents.
Recommendations for Future Oversight and Compliance
In response to the findings, the Department of Defense Inspector General recommended that the Defense Health Agency assist the White House in developing more robust policies for the control and management of prescription medications. The report also suggests establishing controls for White House patient eligibility within the Military Health System.
These recommendations aim to prevent the recurrence of such improper medication practices in future administrations, ensuring a more secure and compliant pharmaceutical operation within the White House Medical Unit.
