A father is seeking answers from the Ministry of Health, claiming that negligence and inaction led to the death of his healthy 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, lost his son, Ilaisa Toroca, around 6 PM due to excessive bleeding following complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson harshly criticized the medical team, stating, “Taveuni Hospital doctors and the dental team murdered my son in his prime.” He described the situation as a straightforward tooth extraction that took a tragic turn, asserting that the dentist’s handling of the case contributed to his son’s decline in health.
He shared his grief, noting that Ilaisa’s condition worsened significantly after the procedure. This tragic incident has fueled public outrage on social media, with many criticizing the Ministry of Health for inadequate service in public healthcare facilities.
Attempts to reach Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, for comment on the case were unsuccessful, as he declined to speak at the moment. Multiple complaints about delays in patient care and a lack of basic resources, like bedding, at major hospitals have surfaced, highlighted by a water shortage crisis at Navua Hospital that was only recently addressed.
Mr. Johnson detailed the timeline of events, stating that his son visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks prior for a tooth extraction. After experiencing continuous bleeding five days later, he returned to the hospital, where the dentist used cotton wool to temporarily manage the bleeding and sent them home.
By Friday, Ilaisa began vomiting blood due to the ongoing bleeding, prompting a third visit to the hospital. Mr. Johnson alleges that despite his urgent requests for his son to be transferred to Labasa Hospital, medical officials delayed the process, resulting in a grave situation. In a desperate move, he arranged for a flight to Labasa, arriving at the airport around 3 PM on Saturday, only for his son to succumb to his injuries three hours later, despite efforts to save him.
Mr. Johnson mentioned seeing an X-ray report that showed excessive internal bleeding, leaving him feeling hopeless about the situation. Ilaisa, remembered as lively and loving, will be laid to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email sent to the president of the Fiji Dental Association, Dr. Parikshath Naidu, seeking a response, had not received a reply by the time this article was finalized.