A father is demanding accountability from the Ministry of Health following the death of his healthy 23-year-old son, Ilaisa Toroca, last Saturday, which he attributes to medical negligence. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, alleges that excessive bleeding from complications related to a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital led to his son’s demise.
Mr. Johnson described the situation as a tragedy, asserting that a straightforward tooth extraction resulted in his son’s critical condition. He expressed his sorrow, noting that Ilaisa’s health declined sharply after the procedure.
This case has ignited public outrage on social media, with numerous criticisms aimed at the Ministry of Health for its inadequate service in public healthcare facilities. Efforts to reach the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, for a comment on the matter were unsuccessful, as he declined to speak.
Additionally, many reports have emerged highlighting issues such as delayed patient care and a lack of resources in major hospitals, exemplified by recent water shortages at Navua Hospital, which were only addressed by the ministry recently.
Mr. Johnson recounted that his son visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks prior for tooth extractions. After experiencing persistent bleeding five days later, Ilaisa returned to the hospital for further treatment, where medical staff merely used cotton wool to temporarily stop the bleeding and dismissed them.
When Ilaisa began vomiting blood on Friday, Mr. Johnson returned to the hospital once again. He claims that despite his urgent requests, the staff did not arrange for Ilaisa’s transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late. Mr. Johnson eventually organized a flight himself, but although they arrived in Labasa around 3 PM, Ilaisa passed away three hours later despite attempts to revive him.
Mr. Johnson reported seeing an X-ray that indicated excessive internal bleeding, which raised concerns about the delay in transferring Ilaisa to a more equipped facility. Described as vibrant and hardworking, Ilaisa will be laid to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. Attempts to contact the president of the Fiji Dental Association, Dr. Parikshath Naidu, for comments also went unanswered.