President Donald Trump is doing what former President Barack Obama couldn’t — or wouldn’t do.
He’s bringing help to veterans… no matter where they live.
Thursday, Trump announced new efforts to begin improving U.S. veterans’ healthcare. Trump unveiled a new technology that doctors say will greatly expand access, especially for mental healthcare and suicide prevention.
Veterans living in rural areas — not just cities — will also benefit, Trump said.
The new initiatives include using video technology and diagnostic tools to conduct medical exams. Veterans also will be able to use mobile devices to make and manage appointments with Veterans Administration doctors, eliminating time consuming paperwork.
“We call it ‘anywhere to anywhere’ VA health care,” VA Secretary David Shulkin said. Shulkin said the goal is better healthcare for veterans wherever they are. He said existing “telehealth” programs provided care to more than 700,000 veterans last year.
A medical doctor, Shulkin wore his white coat to the White House announcement, during which he demonstrated the technologies for Trump.
Trump said, “This will significantly expand access to care for our veterans, especially for those who need help in the area of mental health, which is a bigger and bigger request, and also in suicide prevention”.
“It will make a tremendous difference for the veterans in rural locations in particular,” Trump said.
A regulation will need to be issued for these services to be provided anywhere in the country.
The Associated Press contributed to this article