David Tarantino, MD, the chief medical officer for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, has been removed from his position by Homeland Security after a federal probe into what missteps may have led to the May 17 death of 8-year-old migrant girl, Anadith Tanay Reyes Alvarez, the Washington Post reported June 15.
The girl reportedly had a history of sickle cell anemia and heart disease, and was diagnosed with flu while under the custody of the CBP. After complaining of worsening symptoms to a nurse and multiple denials of her mother's request that an ambulance be called for her daughter, the child was eventually taken by ambulance to a hospital where she died shortly after arrival, officials reported.
Following the incident, CBP officials launched an in-depth review of all vulnerable patients in their custody and a team of physicians from the U.S. Public Health Service was deployed to provide additional guidance and oversight during the investigation, according to the Post.
In addition to the removal and reassignment of Dr. Tarantino, Customs and Border Protection has also banned any provider who was connected to the May incident from its facilities, the Post reported. A medical contractor is also being recruited to review the agency's practices and address any deficiencies found.