A father is seeking accountability from the Ministry of Health, claiming that medical negligence 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 p.m., alleging that excessive bleeding followed complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson accused the hospital staff of killing his son, stating, “It was a simple tooth extraction that went horribly wrong. The dentist’s actions worsened his health.” He shared his anguish, noting that his son’s condition rapidly declined after the procedure.
This incident has fueled a wave of public dissatisfaction on social media, where the Ministry of Health faces criticism for inadequate services in public healthcare. Attempts to reach Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu for a statement about Ilaisa’s case were unsuccessful, as he declined to comment.
Complaints about delayed patient care and a lack of resources in major hospitals have been reported, including a recent water shortage at Navua Hospital, which was addressed only yesterday.
Mr. Johnson recounted that his son initially visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks ago for the extraction of two teeth. Five days later, after continuous bleeding, they returned to the hospital, where the dentist temporarily used cotton to stop the bleeding and sent them home.
By Friday, when Ilaisa began vomiting blood, Mr. Johnson returned to the hospital a third time. He alleges that despite his concerns, medical staff did not arrange for his son’s transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late. After contacting a friend who organized a flight, they arrived at Labasa Airport around 3 p.m. on Saturday, but Ilaisa died three hours later despite attempts to save him.
Mr. Johnson shared that he had seen an X-ray report indicating severe internal bleeding, leading him to question the delay in transferring his son. Described as energetic, hardworking, and loving, Ilaisa will be laid to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email to Dr. Parikshath Naidu, President of the Fiji Dental Association, went unanswered at the time of reporting.