Anaesthesiologists Ask FG for More Equipment, Funds to Boost Surgical Safety

Medical specialists in anaesthesiology have urged the Federal Government to reinforce anaesthesia services across the nation, investing in crucial equipment and providing enhanced support for professionals dedicated to patient safety during surgical procedures. This appeal was made in a joint statement released on Friday, commemorating World Anaesthesia Day 2026, an event observed annually on October 16th. The theme for this year's celebration is "Before, During and Beyond Surgery." This day honours the groundbreaking public demonstration of anaesthesia in 1846, an innovation that transformed modern surgery by enabling pain-free operations.

Dr. Julian Ojebo, who heads Anaesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine at Nisa Garki Hospital, signed the statement on behalf of the specialists. He underscored that effective surgery is impossible without dependable anaesthesia and comprehensive perioperative care. Dr. Ojebo highlighted the importance of thorough preoperative assessments in identifying potential risks, preparing patients adequately for surgery, and preventing avoidable complications.

He stated, "Before any surgery, we must carefully assess the patient’s medical history, co-existing illnesses and potential risks. That assessment helps us identify patients who need optimisation, choose the safest anaesthetic plan, and prevent avoidable complications." Dr. Ojebo cautioned that insufficient support for pre-anaesthetic clinics and inadequate patient preparation could significantly elevate the risk of complications during and after surgical interventions. He noted that many preventable incidents around surgical periods in Nigeria stem from insufficient preoperative evaluation, weak referral systems, and patients presenting late at healthcare facilities.

Dr. Kolawole Shorunke, the Chief Resident in Anaesthesia at the hospital, stressed the necessity of continuous monitoring and the availability of functional equipment throughout surgical procedures. "During surgery, the anaesthesiologist is the patient’s life support. We monitor the heart, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing, and level of consciousness every second; we manage pain and blood loss, and respond instantly to any emergency," Dr. Shorunke explained. He further pointed out that successful anaesthesia relies not only on the expertise of medical staff but also on the presence of operational anaesthetic machines, monitoring devices, oxygen supplies, emergency medications, and a consistent electricity supply. Consequently, Dr. Shorunke called on governmental bodies and hospital administrations to prioritize the procurement and maintenance of vital anaesthesia equipment, particularly within public hospitals.

Regarding postoperative care, Dr. Aisha Muazu, a Senior Registrar in Anaesthesia, clarified that anaesthesiologists' duties extend beyond the operating theatre. These responsibilities include ensuring patients recover safely and receive adequate pain relief. "Our work does not end when surgery ends. Beyond surgery, we ensure patients wake up safely, control their pain, breathe well, and quickly identify and treat complications like nausea, low blood pressure, or respiratory problems," Dr. Muazu said. She elaborated that effective pain management after surgery can accelerate patient recovery, facilitate earlier mobilization, and shorten hospital stays. Dr. Muazu advocated for improved post-anaesthesia care units and robust acute pain management services to enhance recovery and overall surgical outcomes.

Dr. Chidera Jane Obi-Ekekwe, a Senior Resident, also contributed, stating that this year's theme emphasizes the continuous role anaesthesiologists play in safeguarding patients throughout the entire surgical journey. "Before surgery, we prepare and optimise; during surgery, we protect life; and beyond surgery, we ensure patients recover without pain and without complications," she affirmed. Dr. Obi-Ekekwe added that enhancing surgical safety demands healthcare systems that adequately support anaesthesia services at every phase of patient care.

The specialists collectively called for more robust government policies and increased financial allocations to broaden access to safe surgical and anaesthesia services nationwide. They also championed additional training opportunities and incentives to retain anaesthesiologists and nurse anaesthetists, improved access to essential medicines and medical consumables, and the inclusion of anaesthesia and perioperative care within national health insurance coverage. According to these experts, such investments would contribute to reducing preventable deaths and complications, improving access to safe surgery, retaining skilled healthcare professionals, and ultimately strengthening Nigeria's health system. The statement concluded with a powerful assertion: "No patient should die or suffer disability because safe anaesthesia was not available or affordable." The specialists reiterated their unwavering commitment to patient safety, urging the government, hospital management, and development partners to provide the necessary equipment, workforce, and systems for delivering safe care before, during, and beyond surgery.