Opposition Crossbencher MP Penioni Ravunawa is urging the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to promptly disclose the preliminary medical report regarding Ilaisa Toroca. Mr. Toroca, 23, passed away last Saturday at Labasa Hospital after what was alleged to be medical negligence at Waiyevo Hospital in Taveuni.
His father, Sitiveni Johnson, 49, asserts that the negligence and poor judgment displayed by both the dentist and doctor at Waiyevo Hospital contributed to his son’s death. “The doctor in Labasa informed me that my son had been transferred to Labasa Divisional Hospital in time and that he could have survived,” he stated. Mr. Johnson mentioned 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 repeatedly urged the doctor to transfer him that same day,” he claimed. The incident reportedly began with a two-tooth extraction, which turned fatal when continuous bleeding exacerbated his condition. Mr. Ravunawa indicated that the release of this medical report would provide some comfort to the grieving family and help to restore public confidence in Fiji’s healthcare system.
“The timely and effective dissemination of information by health authorities is crucial in such circumstances,” he said. The MP noted that the loss of a young son has imposed tremendous stress on the family. “Delays in issuing the official report only increase the frustration experienced by the family and close relatives,” he added.