Benin, Edo – The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) marked the 2025 World Anaesthesia Day on Thursday with a series of impactful events, emphasizing the indispensable role of anaesthesiologists in managing health emergencies.

The celebration, themed “Anaesthesiology in Health Emergencies,” kicked off with a courtesy visit by the UBTH Department of Anaesthesia to the hospital’s management, reinforcing a commitment to elevating patient care amid growing healthcare challenges.

Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UBTH, represented by Prof. Stanley Okugbo, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), hailed the anaesthesiology department as a high-performing specialty critical to the hospital’s operations.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Ize-Iyamu underscored that anaesthesiologists are the backbone of virtually all clinical departments, delivering expertise and dedication that ensure patient safety during critical moments.

“Commemorating World Anaesthesia Day provides a platform to showcase their crucial role and raise public awareness,” she noted, pledging the hospital’s unwavering support to enhance their services.

Dr. Omajuwa Dawodu, representing the Department of Anaesthesia, echoed the theme’s relevance, expressing gratitude to the CMD and her management team for their continuous encouragement.

“This theme highlights our frontline role in emergencies, and we stand fully behind the CMD’s vision to improve patient care,” Dr. Dawodu said, reinforcing the department’s collaborative spirit.

The day’s highlights included innovative sensitization programs at UBTH Staff School, where pupils were trained in basic life-saving skills to handle emergencies, blending education with practical impact.

Concurrently, awareness campaigns and public lectures were held across outpatient clinics, engaging the community and healthcare professionals alike.