A total of 26 medical cases were referred to the Solicitor-General’s office between 2023 and July this year, including five involving surgical procedures, Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu has revealed.
The figures were provided in a written response tabled in Parliament to a question from the Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu on complaints involving alleged surgical errors, complications or medical negligence between January 2023 and July 31, 2026.
“A total of 26 cases were received by the S-G’s office out of which five are surgical related requiring cataract, amputation and laparotomy procedures,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
The response shows six cases were referred to the S-G’s office in 2023, nine in 2024, six in 2025 and five between January and July this year.
Of the 2023 cases, documents were submitted to the S-G’s office and one case was settled out of court for $50,000.
The nine cases from 2024 and six from 2025 remain under active legal review and/or court processing, while the five cases from this year are under active investigation or review.
Dr Lalabalavu said the surgical procedures involved in the five cases referred to the S-G’s office were performed at Colonial War Memorial Hospital and Lautoka Aspen Hospital.
Separately, the ministry recorded 1218 complaints through the national 157 feedback line between January 2023 and July 2026. Only three were specifically categorised as surgical-related complaints — two involving circumcision and one involving breast surgery or mastectomy.
