A heartbroken father is seeking accountability from the Ministry of Health, claiming that medical negligence and lack of action contributed to the death of his 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, lost his son, Ilaisa Toroca, around 6 p.m. after what he describes as excessive bleeding following complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson harshly criticized the doctors at Taveuni Hospital and the dental team, stating, “They murdered my son in his prime.” He elaborated that a routine tooth extraction turned disastrous, asserting that the dentist’s actions worsened his son’s condition, which deteriorated quickly after the procedure.
This tragic event has spurred public outcry on social media, with many criticizing the Ministry of Health for its inadequate service in public healthcare facilities. Efforts to reach Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, for comments on this case were unsuccessful as he declined to speak, stating, “Sorry, I can’t talk right now.”
Several complaints have emerged regarding delays in patient care and insufficient resources in major hospitals, including a recent water shortage issue at Navua Hospital that was only addressed by the ministry yesterday. Inquiries sent to the ministry’s media liaison officer also went unanswered by press time.
Mr. Johnson recounted that his son visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks ago for two teeth extractions. However, persistent bleeding after five days led to another trip to the hospital, where the dentist merely used cotton wool to temporarily stop the bleeding before sending them home. By Friday, Ilaisa began vomiting blood due to continuous bleeding, prompting Mr. Johnson to return once more. Allegedly, despite his urgent requests, medical personnel failed to arrange for his son’s transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late.
“I contacted a friend who arranged a flight, and we boarded a Fiji Link flight to Labasa on Saturday,” he recalled. They arrived at Labasa Airport around 3 p.m., but Ilaisa passed away three hours later, despite attempts to save him. Mr. Johnson recalled seeing an X-ray report showing excessive internal bleeding and expressed despair over the delayed transfer to Labasa Hospital.
Described as energetic, hardworking, and full of love, Ilaisa will be laid to rest at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email sent to Dr. Parikshath Naidu, the President of the Fiji Dental Association, received no response by the time of this report.