A father is seeking answers from the Ministry of Health, claiming that medical negligence caused the death of his healthy 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson of Waiyevo, Taveuni, lost his son Ilaisa Toroca around 6 p.m. He alleges the death was the result of excessive bleeding following complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson accused the doctors and dental team at Taveuni Hospital of causing his son’s death, stating that what should have been a straightforward procedure went disastrously wrong. He shared that his son’s condition rapidly declined after the dental work.
This tragedy has intensified public outrage on social media, where criticism of the Ministry of Health’s service delivery in public healthcare facilities is growing. Attempts to reach the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, for comments regarding Ilaisa’s case were unsuccessful as he declined to comment.
Complaints about delayed patient care and lack of resources, including bedding, at major hospitals have also surfaced. A notable recent incident involves a water shortage at Navua Hospital, which was only addressed by the ministry yesterday.
Mr. Johnson explained that his son first visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks ago for the extraction of two teeth. However, persistent bleeding led to another visit five days later, where the dentist used cotton wool to temporarily stop the bleeding and sent them home.
By Friday, Ilaisa began vomiting blood due to ongoing bleeding, prompting a third visit to the hospital. Despite Mr. Johnson’s urgings, medical personnel allegedly did not organize his son’s transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late. In a bid to save Ilaisa, Mr. Johnson had to contact a friend for help arranging a flight to Labasa, where they arrived around 3 p.m. on Saturday. Unfortunately, Ilaisa passed away three hours later, despite attempts to resuscitate him.
Mr. Johnson mentioned seeing an X-ray report that indicated significant internal bleeding, prompting him to question the delays in his son’s transfer. Described as energetic and loving, Ilaisa will be laid to rest in Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email inquiry sent to Dr. Parikshath Naidu, President of the Fiji Dental Association, remained unanswered as well.