A recent bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report has raised concerns over the CIA's treatment of individuals affected by the mysterious ailment known as 'Havana syndrome.' The report highlighted that many patients faced challenges in receiving timely and adequate care.
The report outlined 11 recommendations for the CIA to address key issues, including the lack of clear policies for referring anomalous health incident (AHI) reporters to treatment programs. It also called for the development of written policies for medical care and benefit programs related to AHIs, organizational assessments of the CIA's response to AHIs, and standard post-AHI evaluations for all reporters.
Examples of inadequate care cited in the report included delayed or denied treatment, long wait times for medical care, and instances where access to care was linked to participation in research studies.
The CIA spokesperson acknowledged the challenges faced during the investigation into the illness and emphasized the agency's commitment to the health and safety of its personnel and their families.
The 'Havana syndrome' first emerged in 2016 among diplomats in Cuba, with subsequent cases reported globally. Despite ongoing speculation about the cause, the intelligence community has not linked the illness to a foreign adversary.
The report also highlighted the lack of a clear definition for 'Havana syndrome,' making it difficult for medical professionals to understand the illness and its origins.
The Senate report recommended continued research into AHIs and directed energy technologies, as well as criticized the CIA for halting its clinical research efforts related to the syndrome.
The committee warned about the CIA's lack of preparedness to respond to future AHI reports and proposed recommendations for Congress to consider, including legislative changes to support AHI-related claims.
The findings were based on testimonies from CIA officials, US government personnel, medical professionals, and individuals affected by AHIs.
