A father is seeking answers from the Ministry of Health, claiming that medical negligence led to the death of his 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, lost his son, Ilaisa Toroca, around 6pm due to what he alleges was excessive bleeding following a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson accused the hospital’s dental team of causing his son’s unnecessary death, stating, “It was a simple tooth extraction that went horribly wrong. The dentist’s actions caused his health to worsen.” He described his anguish over how quickly his son’s condition deteriorated after the procedure.
The incident has intensified public outrage on social media, with many criticizing the Ministry of Health for inadequate service delivery in public healthcare facilities. Attempts to reach Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu for comments regarding this case were unsuccessful as he declined to speak at this time.
Complaints about slow patient care and lack of resources, including bedding shortages in major hospitals, have been increasing. A recent issue highlighted was the water shortage at Navua Hospital, which was only addressed by the ministry the previous day.
Mr. Johnson detailed the series of failures in his son’s medical care. Ilaisa first visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks ago for two tooth extractions. Five days later, due to continuous bleeding, they revisited the hospital. Mr. Johnson claimed the dentist only used cotton wool to temporarily stop the bleeding before sending them home.
When Ilaisa began vomiting blood the following Friday, Mr. Johnson returned to the hospital for a third time. He alleged that medical personnel failed to arrange for his son’s transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late. Mr. Johnson had to arrange a private flight for his son, and they arrived at Labasa Airport around 3pm, but Ilaisa passed away just three hours later despite efforts to save him.
Mr. Johnson mentioned seeing an X-ray report that showed excessive internal bleeding, leaving him questioning the delay in transferring his son. Described as energetic and hardworking, Ilaisa will be laid to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email sent to the President of the Fiji Dental Association, Dr. Parikshath Naidu, received no response before this article went to press.