Opposition Crossbencher MP Penioni Ravunawa is urging the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to promptly publish the preliminary medical report concerning Ilaisa Toroca.
Toroca, 23, passed away last Saturday at Labasa Hospital following allegations of medical negligence at Waiyevo Hospital in Taveuni. His father, Sitiveni Johnson, 49, contends that negligence and poor judgment by the dental and medical staff 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 he would have survived,” Mr. Johnson stated. He mentioned that his son died just hours after being transported from Taveuni to Labasa Hospital on the same day.
Mr. Johnson noted that his son’s condition worsened significantly in Taveuni on Friday, and he continually requested that the doctor transfer him that day. The extraction of two teeth led to fatal complications for the former bowser attendant at Legend’s Fuel Station as excessive bleeding aggravated his condition.
Mr. Ravunawa remarked that the swift release of the medical report would provide some solace to the grieving family and help restore public confidence in Fijian healthcare. “The prompt and effective dissemination of information by health authorities is vital in such critical situations,” he emphasized.
The MP also pointed out that the loss of a son at such a young age has placed tremendous strain on the bereaved family. “Prolonged delays in releasing the official report only intensify the frustration among our people, particularly among close relatives,” he added.