Whistleblower: US failed to prepare, sought quick virus fix

Former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority Rick Bright alleged in a whistleblower complaint that The Trump administration failed to prepare for the onslaught of the coronavirus, then sought a quick fix by trying to rush an unproven drug to patients. Bright filed the complaint with the Office of Special Counsel, a government agency that investigates retaliation against federal employees who uncover problems. He wants his job back and a full investigation.

Washington: An ousted US vaccine agency official filed a whistleblower complaint alleging his early warnings about the coronavirus were ignored and that his caution at the treatment favoured by President Donald Trump led to his removal.

Rick Bright, former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), said in the complaint on Tuesday that he raised concerns about US preparedness for coronavirus starting in January but was met with "indifference which then developed into hostility" by leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services, Xinhua news agency reported.

Bright said that he is seeking reinstatement as BARDA's director and asking for a full investigation, according to a CNN report.

He was reassigned to a narrower position at the National Institutes of Health, when he was removed on April 20 from the post he had served since 2016.

His attorneys argued that Bright's removal from his post amounts to a violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act, claiming that Bright "has engaged in numerous instances of protected activity".

IANS