A grieving father is seeking answers from the Ministry of Health, claiming that medical negligence and inaction led to the death of his 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, lost his son, Ilaisa Toroca, around 6 p.m. due to excessive bleeding following complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson expressed his anguish, claiming that “doctors and the dental team murdered my son in his prime,” stating that a routine tooth extraction turned disastrous. He noted that his son’s health deteriorated rapidly after the procedure.
This tragic incident has sparked an outcry on social media, as many criticize the Ministry of Health for the declining quality of service in public healthcare facilities. Efforts to reach the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, for comments regarding Ilaisa’s case were unsuccessful, as he stated, “Sorry, I can’t talk right now.”
Complaints regarding delayed patient care and inadequate resources, such as bedding, at hospitals have become more frequent. A recent instance involved a water shortage at Navua Hospital, which the ministry only addressed recently.
Mr. Johnson recounted that Ilaisa initially visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks prior for two tooth extractions. After experiencing persistent bleeding five days later, he returned to the hospital. “The dentist used cotton wool to temporarily stop the bleeding and sent us home,” he said.
By Friday, when his son began vomiting blood due to continuous bleeding, Mr. Johnson made another trip to the hospital. Although he asked for a transfer to Labasa Hospital, medical officials allegedly did not act until it was too late. Mr. Johnson managed to arrange a flight to Labasa, where they landed around 3 p.m., but Ilaisa passed away three hours later despite attempts to save him.
Mr. Johnson mentioned seeing an X-ray report that indicated his son had suffered severe internal bleeding, expressing frustration at the delays in transferring Ilaisa to Labasa. The family plans to lay Ilaisa to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow.
An inquiry sent to Dr. Parikshath Naidu, President of the Fiji Dental Association, received no response by the time of publication.