A grieving father is seeking justice from the Ministry of Health, alleging that medical negligence contributed to the death of his healthy 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, lost his son, Ilaisa Toroca, around 6 p.m. due to what he claims was excessive bleeding following complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson accused the hospital’s dental team of failing his son. “It was a simple tooth extraction that went horribly wrong. The dentist’s actions caused his health to worsen,” he expressed, sharing the heartbreak of witnessing his son’s rapid decline after the procedure.
This tragic incident has sparked increasing public anger on social media, where the Ministry of Health faces criticism for inadequate service in public healthcare facilities. Attempts to reach the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, for comment on this case were unsuccessful, as he stated, “Sorry, I can’t talk right now.” Complaints about delayed patient care and lack of resources, including bedding, have risen at major hospitals. Recently, a water shortage at Navua Hospital was addressed by the ministry only a day prior.
Mr. Johnson detailed his son’s ordeal, which began nearly three weeks ago when Ilaisa first visited Waiyevo Hospital for the extraction of two teeth. After returning just five days later due to uncontrolled bleeding, he said, “The dentist used cotton wool to temporarily stop the bleeding and sent us home.”
When Ilaisa started vomiting blood on Friday, Mr. Johnson rushed him back to the hospital for the third time. He claimed that despite his urgent requests, medical staff failed to arrange for Ilaisa’s transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late. The father ultimately reached out to a friend who organized a flight, and they boarded a Fiji Link flight to Labasa on Saturday. They arrived at Labasa Airport at approximately 3 p.m., but Ilaisa died three hours later, despite attempts to rescue him.
Mr. Johnson also mentioned viewing an X-ray report that showed excessive internal bleeding, leading him to question the delay in arranging his son’s transfer. Described as energetic, hardworking, and loving, Ilaisa will be laid to rest in Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email sent to Dr. Parikshath Naidu, President of the Fiji Dental Association, also went unanswered.