A father is seeking answers from the Ministry of Health, alleging that medical negligence and lack of action led to the death of his healthy 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, lost his son, Ilaisa Toroca, around 6 PM, attributing the death to excessive bleeding that followed a tooth extraction procedure at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson accused the doctors and dental team at Taveuni Hospital of causing his son’s death. He described the situation as a trivial tooth extraction that spiraled out of control, exacerbating his son’s condition. He shared his anguish, noting how his son’s health rapidly declined after the procedure.
This tragedy has sparked a wave of public outrage on social media, highlighting criticism of the Ministry of Health regarding inadequate service delivery in public health facilities. Contact attempts to the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, for comments on Ilaisa’s case were met with a refusal, as he stated, “Sorry, I can’t talk right now.”
Concerns have been raised about delayed patient care and lack of resources in major hospitals, including recent issues like the water shortage at Navua Hospital, which was addressed only recently by the ministry. Additionally, inquiries sent to the ministry’s media liaison went unanswered at the time of publication.
Mr. Johnson recounted that his son had first visited Waiyevo Hospital almost three weeks prior for two tooth extractions. Following the procedure, persistent bleeding led to another visit five days later, where the dentist temporarily managed the issue with cotton wool before sending them home. By Friday, Ilaisa started vomiting blood due to ongoing bleeding, prompting a third hospital visit. Despite Mr. Johnson’s urgent requests, hospital staff allegedly did not arrange for his son’s transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late.
Mr. Johnson managed to secure a flight with a friend to Labasa, arriving around 3 PM on Saturday; however, Ilaisa died three hours later despite attempts to revive him. Mr. Johnson claimed to have seen an X-ray report indicating excessive internal bleeding, and he expressed dismay at the delays in transferring his son.
Ilaisa, remembered as vibrant, hardworking, and loving, is scheduled to be laid to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni. An email sent to Fiji Dental Association President Dr. Parikshath Naidu went unanswered when this edition was prepared.