Opposition Crossbencher MP Penioni Ravunawa is urging the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to promptly disclose the initial medical report regarding Ilaisa Toroca. The 23-year-old tragically passed away at Labasa Hospital last Saturday, following what has been described as medical negligence at Waiyevo Hospital in Taveuni.
His father, Sitiveni Johnson, 49, asserts that the negligence and poor judgment displayed by the dental and medical staff at Waiyevo Hospital directly contributed to his son’s death. “The doctor in Labasa informed me that my son was transferred to Labasa Divisional Hospital in time, and he could have survived,” he stated. Mr. Johnson revealed that his son succumbed a few hours after being airlifted from Taveuni to Labasa Hospital on the same day.
Mr. Johnson expressed that his son’s health declined rapidly on Friday, leading him to repeatedly request that the doctor expedite the transfer. The situation became dire after a dental procedure for two tooth extractions resulted in severe bleeding that deteriorated Mr. Toroca’s health.
Mr. Ravunawa emphasized that the timely release of the medical report would provide some comfort to the grieving family and help rebuild public trust in Fiji’s healthcare system. “Efficient and effective communication from health authorities is crucial in such circumstances,” he remarked. The MP noted that the loss of a son in his early years has imposed significant emotional strain on the family, and further delays in issuing the official report only heighten their frustration.