Man questions doctors' competence after missed spinal injury

Serious questions are being raised about the competence of our doctors as a man claims his spinal injuries were missed at a public hospital and only detected later through a private scan and MRI two years after his accident.

While speaking during the Fijian Media Association's Meet the Public and the Press session, Wailevu, Labasa resident Hemendra Prasad says he suffered serious injuries due to an accident involving his tractor.

He says he is facing a health issue due to the accident.

Prasad says after his accident, he waited nearly half an hour without medical attention at Labasa Hospital and was only seen by a doctor after his brother complained.

He says he was diagnosed with a minor injury, given medication, and discharged without being kept under observation.

The man says after the accident, the public hospital’s x-ray showed no problems, but a private hospital diagnosed a spinal issue and despite this, it took until March 2025—two years later—after the Minister for Health was contacted, for him to be sent to CWM Hospital.

He says an MRI there confirmed multiple problems, and now two surgeries are needed.

Divisional Medical Officer Northern, Dr. Tiko Saumalua has assured the man that they will look into the matter.

He has given his contact details to Prasad to have further discussion.

When questioned about what type of performance management system is in place for doctors and nurses to ensure that people do not go through this, Dr Saumalua says doctors and nurses in the various health facilities are trained.

People who go through these issues can also file a medical negligence complaint with the Fiji Medical and Dental Council by filling out a form on their website, fijimds.com.