A father is seeking accountability from the Ministry of Health, claiming medical negligence led to the death of his healthy 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson of Waiyevo, Taveuni, reported that his son, Ilaisa Toroca, passed away around 6 p.m. due to excessive bleeding resulting from complications after a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson accused the dental team at Taveuni Hospital of causing his son’s tragic death, stating, “It was a straightforward tooth extraction that went horribly wrong. The dentist’s actions worsened his condition.” He expressed deep sorrow, noting that his son’s health declined rapidly post-procedure.
The incident has fueled rising 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, “Sorry, I can’t talk right now.” Complaints about delays in patient care and a lack of resources, including bedding, have also been reported at major hospitals. A recent issue was the water shortage at Navua Hospital, which the ministry only addressed yesterday.
Mr. Johnson recounted that his son visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks prior to have two teeth extracted. Five days later, persistent bleeding led to another hospital visit. “The dentist used cotton wool to temporarily stop the bleeding and sent us home,” he said. By Friday, when his son began vomiting blood, Mr. Johnson returned to the hospital once again. Despite his urgent requests, the medical staff allegedly did not arrange for his son’s transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late.
“I contacted a friend who arranged a flight, and we boarded a Fiji Link flight to Labasa on Saturday,” Mr. Johnson stated. They landed at Labasa Airport around 3 p.m., but Ilaisa died three hours later despite efforts to save him. Mr. Johnson claimed to have seen an X-ray report showing his son suffered from excessive internal bleeding and questioned the delay in the transfer to Labasa.
Ilaisa, described as energetic, hardworking, and loving, is scheduled to be laid to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email sent to Dr. Parikshath Naidu, President of the Fiji Dental Association, went unanswered when this edition went to press.