Opposition Crossbencher MP Penioni Ravunawa is urging the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to promptly disclose the preliminary medical report regarding Ilaisa Toroca. The 23-year-old passed away last Saturday at Labasa Hospital, following what has been described as medical negligence at Waiyevo Hospital in Taveuni.
Toroca’s father, Sitiveni Johnson, 49, alleges that the negligence and poor judgment displayed by the dentist and doctor at Waiyevo Hospital contributed significantly to his son’s death. “The doctor in Labasa informed me that my son had been timely transferred to Labasa Divisional Hospital, and he could have survived,” said Johnson. He noted that Toroca died mere hours after being transported from Taveuni to Labasa Hospital the same day.
Johnson expressed his concern, stating that his son’s health worsened dramatically in Taveuni, and he continuously urged the doctor to transfer him that day. The situation escalated tragically after Toroca underwent a two-tooth extraction that resulted in severe bleeding and ultimately a decline in his condition.
Mr. Ravunawa emphasized that the release of the medical report would provide some relief to the grieving family and help restore public trust in Fiji’s healthcare system. He underscored the importance of timely information from health authorities in such distressing circumstances, as delays only exacerbate the frustrations of affected families.
The MP remarked on the profound stress that the loss of a son has inflicted upon the family and highlighted the need for swift transparency from the authorities.