Opposition Crossbencher MP Penioni Ravunawa is urging the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to promptly release the preliminary medical report regarding Ilaisa Toroca. Mr. Toroca, 23, passed away last Saturday at Labasa Hospital following alleged medical negligence at Waiyevo Hospital in Taveuni. His father, Sitiveni Johnson, 49, asserts that the negligence and poor judgment from the dentist and doctor at Waiyevo Hospital contributed to his son’s death.
“My son was transferred to Labasa Divisional Hospital in a timely manner, and he could have survived,” Mr. Johnson claimed. He reported that his son died a few hours after being transported from Taveuni to Labasa Hospital on the same day.
“My son’s health worsened significantly in Taveuni on Friday, and I continuously urged the doctor to transfer him the same day,” he stated. The situation escalated after Mr. Toroca underwent a two-tooth extraction, which became fatal due to persistent bleeding that aggravated his condition.
Mr. Ravunawa emphasized that releasing this report would provide some solace to the grieving family and help restore public confidence in Fiji’s healthcare system. “Timely and efficient communication from health authorities is crucial in such situations,” he remarked.
The MP noted that the loss of a son in his youth has inflicted tremendous stress on the family. “Delays in releasing the official report only increase frustration among our people, particularly the close relatives,” he added.