A father is seeking answers from the Ministry of Health, claiming that medical negligence and a lack of action resulted in the death of his healthy 23-year-old son last Saturday. Sitiveni Johnson from Waiyevo, Taveuni, reported that his son, Ilaisa Toroca, died around 6 p.m. due to excessive bleeding following complications from a tooth extraction at Waiyevo Hospital.
Mr. Johnson accused the doctors and dental team at Taveuni Hospital of effectively causing his son’s death. He stated, “It was a simple tooth extraction that went horribly wrong,” alleging that the dentist’s actions worsened his son’s condition. He expressed his sorrow, noting that his son’s health declined rapidly after the procedure.
This tragedy has sparked significant public outrage on social media, with widespread criticism aimed at the Ministry of Health for its inadequate service delivery in public healthcare facilities. Attempts to reach the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, for comments on the case were unsuccessful, as he declined to provide a statement, saying, “Sorry, I can’t talk right now.” Concerns have also been raised regarding delayed patient care and lack of resources, including bedding, at major hospitals. One recent issue was a water shortage at Navua Hospital, which the ministry only addressed yesterday.
Questions directed to the ministry’s media liaison officer went unanswered at the time of publication.
Mr. Johnson recounted that his son initially visited Waiyevo Hospital nearly three weeks ago for two teeth extractions. After experiencing persistent bleeding, they returned to the hospital five days later, where the dentist used cotton wool to temporarily halt the bleeding and sent them home. By Friday, Ilaisa was vomiting blood due to ongoing bleeding, prompting Mr. Johnson to take him back to the hospital for a third time. Despite his insistence, medical staff allegedly did not facilitate his son’s transfer to Labasa Hospital until it was too late.
Mr. Johnson arranged for a flight with a friend, and they arrived at Labasa Airport around 3 p.m. on Saturday, but Ilaisa died three hours later despite attempts to save him. Mr. Johnson also mentioned seeing an X-ray report that showed excessive internal bleeding in his son. “I lost hope when I saw the X-ray,” he said, questioning why the transfer to Labasa took so long. Ilaisa, remembered as energetic, hardworking, and loving, is set to be buried at Pagai Village, Taveuni, tomorrow. An email sent to Fiji Dental Association President Dr. Parikshath Naidu for comments also went unanswered at the time of publication.