A heartbroken father is seeking answers from the Ministry of Health, claiming that medical negligence and inaction resulted in the death of his healthy 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, lost his son Ilaisa Toroca around 6 PM, asserting that excessive bleeding following complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital was the cause.
“Taveuni Hospital doctors and the dental team murdered my son in his prime,” Mr. Johnson stated. He described the procedure as a simple tooth extraction that went tragically wrong, blaming the dentist’s actions for his son’s deteriorating health.
Mr. Johnson revealed his emotional pain, noting that his son’s condition worsened rapidly after the extraction. This incident has contributed to increasing public outrage on social media, where the Ministry of Health is facing criticism over poor service in public healthcare facilities.
Attempts to reach Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, for comments on the case were unsuccessful, with him stating, “Sorry, I can’t talk right now.” Many complaints have emerged about delayed patient care and inadequate resources at major hospitals, including a recent water shortage at Navua Hospital, which was addressed only yesterday.
Mr. Johnson detailed that his son had first visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks ago for two tooth extractions. Five days later, he returned due to ongoing bleeding. “The dentist used cotton wool to temporarily stop the bleeding and sent us home,” he said. By Friday, when his son began vomiting blood from continuous bleeding, Mr. Johnson took him to the hospital for a third time. Despite expressing concerns, the medical staff allegedly delayed arranging 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 recounted. They arrived at Labasa Airport around 3 PM, but Ilaisa died three hours later, despite efforts to save him. Mr. Johnson mentioned seeing an X-ray report that indicated his son suffered from severe internal bleeding. He lamented the delay in getting Ilaisa transferred to Labasa.
Ilaisa, remembered as energetic, hardworking, and loving, is set to be laid to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email sent to Fiji Dental Association President Dr. Parikshath Naidu for comment also went unanswered.