A distraught father is calling for accountability from the Ministry of Health, claiming that negligence and lack of action resulted in the death of his healthy 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, lost his son, Ilaisa Toroca, around 6pm, alleging that complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital caused excessive bleeding that led to his son’s death.
Mr. Johnson accused the healthcare providers at Taveuni Hospital of causing his son’s untimely death, asserting that a simple dental procedure went terribly wrong. He indicated that the condition of his son worsened significantly after the extraction.
This incident has fueled public outrage on social media, where the Ministry of Health has faced criticism for the quality of service delivery in public healthcare facilities. Attempts to reach Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, proved unsuccessful as he declined to comment, citing he could not speak at that moment.
Numerous recent complaints have highlighted issues such as delayed patient care and a lack of resources, including inadequate bedding in major hospitals. A water shortage at Navua Hospital was only addressed by the ministry recently.
Mr. Johnson recounted that his son first went to Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks prior for tooth extractions. After persistent bleeding ensued, they returned to the hospital five days later where the dentist used cotton wool to stop the bleeding temporarily before sending them home. On Friday, after his son began vomiting blood, Mr. Johnson rushed him to the hospital again, but officials allegedly failed to facilitate his transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late.
After reaching out to a friend who arranged for a flight, they boarded a Fiji Link flight to Labasa, arriving around 3pm. Sadly, Ilaisa died three hours later despite attempts to save him. Mr. Johnson noted seeing an X-ray that indicated excessive internal bleeding, leading him to question the delays in transferring his son.
Ilaisa, described as lively, industrious, and full of affection, is set to be buried at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email sent to the President of the Fiji Dental Association, Dr. Parikshath Naidu, went unanswered at the time of reporting.