A father in mourning is seeking accountability from the Ministry of Health, claiming that medical negligence led to the death of his 23-year-old son, Ilaisa Toroca, last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, alleges that his son’s demise was a result of excessive bleeding due to complications following a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson accused the dental team at Taveuni Hospital of causing his son’s death by mismanaging what he describes as a routine procedure. He expressed devastation over how quickly Ilaisa’s condition worsened after the extraction.
The case has sparked outrage on social media, where many have criticized the Ministry of Health for inadequate service in public healthcare facilities. Efforts to contact Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, for his remarks on this case were unsuccessful, as he stated he was unavailable for comment.
Complaints regarding delayed patient care, alongside a lack of resources such as adequate bedding, have been prevalent, with a recent issue regarding water shortages at Navua Hospital only addressed recently by the ministry.
Mr. Johnson shared that Ilaisa had initially visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks ago for two tooth extractions. After persistent bleeding five days later, he returned to the hospital, where medical staff used cotton wool to temporarily stop the bleeding and sent them home. However, by Friday, after his son began vomiting blood, Mr. Johnson returned to the hospital for a third time, but was reportedly met with insufficient urgency regarding a transfer to Labasa Hospital.
In a desperate attempt to get his son proper care, Mr. Johnson arranged for a flight and traveled to Labasa. They arrived at Labasa Airport around 3 PM, but Ilaisa passed away just three hours later, despite rescue efforts. Mr. Johnson expressed dismay upon reviewing an X-ray report that showed significant internal bleeding, questioning the delay in his son’s transfer.
Described as vibrant and diligent, Ilaisa will be honored with a funeral at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email to Dr. Parikshath Naidu, President of the Fiji Dental Association, requesting a comment on the situation also went unanswered at the time of this report.