A father is seeking answers from the Ministry of Health after his healthy 23-year-old son died last Saturday, allegedly due to medical negligence. Sitiveni Johnson, from Waiyevo, Taveuni, claims his son, Ilaisa Toroca, died from excessive bleeding following complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson accused the hospital’s dental team of causing his son’s tragic demise. “It was a simple tooth extraction that went horribly wrong. The dentist’s actions worsened his health,” he stated.
He described the rapid decline in his son’s condition following the procedure, and his grief has resonated with others, sparking public outrage on social media against the Ministry of Health for inadequate service delivery in public health facilities.
Attempts to reach Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, for comments on the case were unsuccessful, with the minister stating, “Sorry, I can’t talk right now.” Complaints about delayed patient care and lack of resources in major hospitals have been frequent, including a recent water shortage at Navua Hospital that was only addressed yesterday.
Mr. Johnson recounted that his son visited Waiyevo Hospital almost three weeks earlier to have two teeth extracted. After suffering from persistent bleeding, he returned five days later, but the dentist merely used cotton wool to stop the bleeding temporarily and sent them home. When Ilaisa began vomiting blood by Friday, Mr. Johnson took him back to the hospital for a third visit, but medical staff allegedly delayed arranging for his transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late.
After contacting a friend who arranged a flight, they flew to Labasa, arriving around 3 PM. Unfortunately, Ilaisa passed away three hours later despite resuscitation efforts. Mr. Johnson mentioned that an X-ray indicated excessive internal bleeding in his son. “I lost hope when I saw the X-ray,” he said, expressing frustration over the delayed transfer.
Ilaisa, who was regarded as energetic, hardworking, and loving, will be buried at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email sent to Dr. Parikshath Naidu, President of the Fiji Dental Association, went unanswered as this article was being finalized.