A father is seeking answers from the Ministry of Health after alleging that medical negligence and inaction contributed to the death of his 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, lost his son, Ilaisa Toroca, who he claims died due to excessive bleeding following complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson accused the doctors and dental team at Taveuni Hospital of causing his son’s demise. He described the tooth extraction as a straightforward procedure that went disastrously wrong, asserting that the actions of the dentist worsened his son’s condition.
The grieving father expressed his devastation, noting that his son’s health rapidly declined after the dental procedure. This tragic event has ignited public outrage on social media, with many criticizing the Ministry of Health for inadequate services in public healthcare facilities.
Attempts to reach Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, for comments on the situation were unsuccessful, as he stated he could not talk at the moment. Complaints regarding delayed patient care and a lack of resources, including bedding, have been common, with recent issues like a water shortage at Navua Hospital only recently receiving attention from the ministry.
Mr. Johnson detailed that his son first visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks prior to have two teeth removed. After persistent bleeding required a second visit five days later, the dentist used cotton wool to temporarily stop the bleeding and sent them home. However, when Ilaisa began vomiting blood on Friday, Mr. Johnson returned to the hospital for a third time but claims that medical staff did not arrange for his son to be transferred to Labasa Hospital in a timely manner.
After personally arranging a flight to Labasa, they arrived at the airport at 3 PM, but Ilaisa passed away three hours later despite attempts to save him. Mr. Johnson mentioned that he had seen an X-ray indicating that his son was suffering from severe internal bleeding, which intensified his frustration over the delay in transferring him to Labasa.
Described as vibrant and dedicated, Ilaisa will be laid to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An inquiry directed to Fiji Dental Association President Dr. Parikshath Naidu also went unanswered as of the time of publication.