Opposition Member of Parliament, Sanjay Kirpal, is urging the Health Ministry to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of 22-year-old Harshika Devi.
Kirpal, who is also from Marasa in Nadi, the same area where the deceased lived, stated that her family is fighting for justice and seeking answers over allegations of negligence by medical staff at Nadi Hospital.
Kirpal mentioned that Harshika’s father informed him that the doctor in charge at the hospital has been calling them to arrange a meeting.
“Her family deserves answers, and I have learned from the media that no official complaint has been filed with the Ministry of Health. If this is true, why is the doctor in charge contacting the parents for a meeting?” he questioned.
“As a representative of Marasa residents who elected me to Parliament, I want the grieving family to receive a proper explanation and answers from authorities regarding the loss of their loving and promising daughter.”
Kirpal also disclosed that the doctor’s family has been threatening Harshika’s family to remove social media posts where her mother provided detailed accounts of the care she received.
In her social media post, Munita Devi stated that on 13 July 2024, Harshika sought emergency care at Nadi Hospital following a severe asthma attack.
She alleges that improper treatment by a trainee doctor involved excessive use of Atrovent Solution, with delays and lack of consultation with senior medical staff during the treatment.
Devi claims that despite her daughter’s worsening condition, she was not transferred to Lautoka Hospital promptly and was not permitted to accompany her in the ambulance.
Upon arrival at Lautoka Hospital, Harshika was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit but passed away the next morning. Devi is unaware of the exact circumstances leading to her daughter’s death and demands an investigation into her treatment.
Last week, the Ministry of Health issued a statement expressing condolences to the family and outlining the steps for a formal investigation.
“The Ministry will engage in an official investigation if an official complaint is filed,” the statement read.
“The Ministry has procedures to address grievances from families, and we will coordinate with the family to allow that process to occur.”
The Ministry emphasized using official channels for lodging complaints and urged the public to call the toll-free number 157 for such grievances.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Medical Association commented on the incident, saying that addressing such issues publicly can lead to misinformation, breaches of confidentiality, and harm to patient care.
Association President, Dr. Basharat Munshi, advised against publishing Medical Officers’ names on social media and stated that they would support legal action against this.
“We prefer litigation as a last resort and recommend that aggrieved individuals raise their grievances professionally and culturally appropriately.”
The FMA encourages people with health-related concerns to lodge complaints using the #157 helpline or contact health authorities, including the PS Health. Complaints should also be filed with the Fiji Medical and Dental Council’s Conducts Committee.
“We urge healthcare professionals to engage with patients and the public professionally through official channels,” Dr. Munshi added.
The FMA is committed to ensuring the highest standards of healthcare in Fiji and believes that following proper protocols will effectively address and resolve health-related issues, ensuring better outcomes for all involved.
Harshika Devi, an employee at Money Exchange in Martintar, Nadi, was cremated last Saturday.