Anaesthetics Seek Investment in Workforce, Modern Equipment
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Ilorin – Anaesthetics at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) have called for sustained investment in workforce development and modern equipment to enhance patient safety and improve surgical outcomes.
They made the call in Ilorin on Friday during a sensitisation rally organised as part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Anaesthesia Day.
The theme of the celebration is “Before, During and Beyond Surgery,” which aligns with the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) Presidential Theme for 2026–2028: “Anaesthesiology Along the Patient Pathway.”
Speaking at the event, the Head of the Department of Anaesthesia at UITH, Dr Joshua Oni, said World Anaesthesia Day, celebrated annually on Oct. 16, commemorates the birth of modern anaesthesia following the first public demonstration of ether anaesthesia on Oct. 16, 1846.
He said the historic demonstration revolutionised surgery, transforming it from a terrifying and painful experience into a more humane and effective form of medical treatment.
Oni explained that the celebration was not only an opportunity to reflect on the history of anaesthesia but also to recognise the contributions of professionals whose work makes safe anaesthesia possible.
According to him, these professionals include physician anaesthesiologists, nurse anaesthetists, anaesthetic technicians and intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.
“This year’s theme highlights the continuum of care provided by anaesthetists, from pre-operative assessment to intra-operative care, post-operative pain management and intensive care,” he said.
Oni described anaesthetists as vigilant guardians of patients’ safety and comfort before, during and after surgery.
He said their responsibilities extended beyond administering anaesthesia to include painless childbirth, resuscitation, acute pain management and the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units.
The UITH department head, however, identified a significant knowledge gap among members of the public about the specialty, noting that anaesthesia was often regarded as a behind-the-scenes medical service.
He also expressed concern over the shortage of trained personnel and inadequate equipment in many healthcare facilities, stressing the need for increased public awareness, advocacy and investment in the specialty.
Oni said addressing these challenges would strengthen patient safety and improve surgical outcomes.
Also speaking, Prof. Benjamin Bolaji, a professor of anaesthesia in the Department of Anaesthesia, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, said modern surgical advancements would not have been possible without the development of safe and effective anaesthesia.
Bolaji explained that anaesthesia had evolved beyond merely putting patients to sleep and waking them up after surgery.
He said advances in anaesthetic drugs and modern monitoring equipment had significantly improved the safety of the practice by enabling medical professionals to detect potentially life-threatening complications promptly.
“Anaesthetists provide pain management services for patients suffering from cancer pain, low back pain and arthritis. They also manage critically ill patients in the ICU and participate in the resuscitation of patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest,” he said.
Bolaji further explained that not all surgical procedures required general anaesthesia, adding that regional anaesthesia could be used for caesarean sections and certain lower-limb and pelvic surgeries.
He said the technique enabled patients to undergo such procedures without pain while remaining conscious.
In his remarks, the Acting Chief Medical Director of UITH, Prof. Bilyaminu Abayomi, described the hospital as one of Nigeria’s leading centres for anaesthesia practice.
Abayomi recalled that when the hospital operated as City Hospital, it had only three specialists working as a team.
He said the subsequent growth in the number and quality of specialists had strengthened the hospital’s capacity and positioned it among the leading institutions in anaesthesia practice.
According to him, surgery before the advent of anaesthesia was often a terrifying experience, with several people required to restrain patients during operations because of the excruciating pain involved.
“Today, surgery is defined by comfort, precision and safety because of anaesthesiology,” he said.
Abayomi commended anaesthetists for their selfless service and often-unrecognised contributions to healthcare delivery.
He assured the department of the hospital management’s continued support through the provision of equipment, improved infrastructure and staff training.
The acting CMD added that the management had directed that all theatre-related needs be properly documented to facilitate prompt attention and necessary action.(NAN)
