Opposition Member of Parliament Sanjay Kirpal is urging the Health Ministry to thoroughly investigate the death of 22-year-old Harshika Devi. Kirpal, who also resides in Marasa, Nadi, where the deceased was from, stated that her family demands justice and answers over alleged medical negligence at Nadi Hospital.
Kirpal reported that Harshika’s father informed him about the doctor in charge at Nadi Hospital requesting a meeting with the family. “Her family needs answers, and I am surprised to learn that there has been no official report lodged with the Ministry of Health. If this is true, then why is the doctor in charge contacting the parents for a meeting?” he questioned. “As a representative of the people of Marasa, I want the grieving family to get the right explanations and answers from those in authority.”
Kirpal also disclosed that the family of the doctor who treated Harshika at Nadi Hospital has been threatening her family to remove a social media post where her mother details how she was cared for.
In a social media post, Munita Devi claimed that on 13 July 2024, Harshika sought emergency care at Nadi Hospital after a severe asthma attack. She alleges that Harshika received improper treatment involving excessive administration of Atrovent Solution by a trainee doctor and significant delays without consultation with senior medical staff. Devi added that despite her daughter’s worsening condition, she was not promptly transferred to Lautoka Hospital and was not allowed to accompany her daughter 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 surrounding her daughter’s death and demands an investigation into her treatment.
The Ministry of Health issued a statement expressing condolences to the family and outlining the steps for a formal investigation, stating that they would engage in an official investigation if there is an official complaint. The Ministry emphasized the importance of using official channels for lodging complaints and urged the public to use the toll-free number 157 for grievances.
The Fiji Medical Association also commented on the incident, highlighting that addressing such issues publicly can lead to misinformation and breaches of confidentiality, ultimately harming patient care. Association President Dr. Basharat Munshi advised against publishing the names of Medical Officers on social media and mentioned potential legal action. However, he encouraged aggrieved individuals to raise their concerns professionally and appropriately through official channels.
Dr. Munshi stated that the FMA remains committed to ensuring high healthcare standards in Fiji and believes that following proper protocols can effectively resolve health-related issues and ensure better outcomes.
Harshika Devi, an employee of Money Exchange in Martintar, Nadi, was cremated last Saturday.