A father is seeking answers from the Ministry of Health, claiming that medical negligence contributed to the death of his 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, lost his son, Ilaisa Toroca, around 6 p.m., attributing the death to excessive bleeding following complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson stated, “Taveuni Hospital doctors and the dental team murdered my son in his prime.” He described the tooth extraction as a routine procedure that went tragically wrong and alleged that the dentist’s actions worsened his son’s health.
Heartbroken, Mr. Johnson shared that his son’s condition rapidly deteriorated after the dental procedure. This incident has sparked widespread anger on social media, where the Ministry of Health has faced criticism for inadequate public healthcare services.
Efforts to reach Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, for comments on the situation were unsuccessful, as he declined to speak. There have been numerous complaints regarding delayed patient care and lack of resources, such as bedding, in major hospitals. A recent issue highlighted was the water shortage at Navua Hospital, which the ministry addressed only recently.
Mr. Johnson recounted that his son first went to Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks ago for the extraction of two teeth. Five days later, due to ongoing bleeding, they returned to the hospital, where staff provided temporary solutions but sent them home. When Ilaisa began vomiting blood on Friday, Mr. Johnson took him back for a third visit. He alleges that despite his urgent requests, medical staff did not facilitate a timely transfer to Labasa Hospital.
After seeking help from a friend to arrange a flight, they flew to Labasa, arriving at 3 p.m., but Ilaisa passed away three hours later despite attempts to save him. Mr. Johnson claimed to have viewed an X-ray that indicated severe internal bleeding, leading him to question the delay in his son’s transfer.
Ilaisa, remembered as energetic, hardworking, and loving, is scheduled to be laid to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni. An email sent to the President of the Fiji Dental Association, Dr. Parikshath Naidu, received no response by the time this report was prepared.