Health Ministry to meet family of baby who died in Gau

Senior executives from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are expected to meet today with the family of a six‑month‑old baby who died in Gau last month.

The child’s uncle, Samisoni Vana, confirmed this yesterday.

It has been 17 days since the death of baby Samisoni, and the family say they are not backing down, seeking answers over what they claim occurred following a misdiagnosis.

Baby Samisoni was taken to the Qarani Health Centre on Sunday evening, December 20, 2025, with symptoms of diarrhoea. However, he was only given baby Panadol and advised not to give him water or anything else except baby milk.

He died early Tuesday morning and was transferred to Levuka Hospital, where a post‑mortem examination was conducted before his body was returned the same day for burial.

The Fiji Police Force confirmed that foul play was ruled out of their investigation, with severe dehydration identified following the post‑mortem.

The Ministry, the family of baby Samisoni Vanaratuvou and Police were supposed to meet earlier.

However, Mr Vana said he received a call from the Ministry yesterday regarding the meeting.

Police have also confirmed that an independent investigation is ongoing in the matter.

The Ministry was waiting for the meeting to take place before beginning its investigation.

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