A father is seeking accountability from the Ministry of Health after the tragic death of his 23-year-old son, alleging medical negligence contributed to the loss. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, reported that his son, Ilaisa Toroca, died on Saturday evening due to severe bleeding following a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Johnson accused the doctors and dental staff at Taveuni Hospital of causing his son’s death, stating, “It was a simple tooth extraction that went horribly wrong. The dentist’s actions caused his health to worsen.” He expressed his devastation, noting that his son’s condition significantly declined after the procedure.
This incident has sparked widespread public outrage, particularly on social media, where the Ministry of Health is facing criticism for the quality of service in public healthcare facilities. Efforts to reach the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, for a statement regarding the case were unsuccessful as he declined to comment.
There have been numerous reports about delays in patient care and a lack of resources, including inadequate bedding in major hospitals. A recent critical situation involved a water shortage at Navua Hospital, which the ministry only addressed recently.
Mr. Johnson detailed the timeline of events leading to his son’s demise. Ilaisa first went to Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks ago for two tooth extractions. After experiencing persistent bleeding five days later, he returned to the hospital, where a dentist temporarily stopped the bleeding with cotton wool before sending them home.
On Friday, as Ilaisa began vomiting blood from continuous bleeding, Mr. Johnson took him back to the hospital for a third time. However, he claims medical staff did not arrange for his son’s transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late. After contacting a friend, they managed to arrange a flight, and they arrived in Labasa around 3 PM on Saturday, but Ilaisa passed away three hours later despite medical intervention.
Mr. Johnson mentioned seeing an X-ray that indicated his son had excessive internal bleeding, expressing his despair over the delayed transfer. Ilaisa, remembered as a vibrant and hardworking individual, will be laid to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni. An email sent to the Fiji Dental Association President, Dr. Parikshath Naidu, regarding the incident went unanswered as well.