BEFORE, DURING AND BEYOND SURGERY: JUTH ANAESTHETISTS CELEBRATE WORLD ANAESTHESIA DAY WITH CMD
The Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) has paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr Pokop Bupwatda, to mark World Anaesthesia Day 2026, congratulate him on his re-appointment for a second term and present him with a plaque and a customised T-shirt.
The visit took place in the boardroom on Friday, 16th October. Dr Bupwatda was represented by the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC) for Clinical Services, Dr Nankling Lamu. Also present were the Director of Administration, Mr Tunji Adegboye and the DCMAC for Research and Ethics, Prof Chundung Miner, who represented the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee. The department was led by Dr Ngeh Mangai, representing the Head of Department, Prof Henry Embu, with senior consultants, registrars, residents, senior nurses and students.
Dr Mangai said the re-appointment was a testament to the CMD’s leadership and service, and pledged the department’s continued collaboration with management in advancing the mission of JUTH.
He said World Anaesthesia Day highlights the vital contribution of anaesthesia to safe surgery, pain relief, resuscitation and critical care, in line with this year’s theme, “The essential role of anaesthetists throughout the patient’s journey before, during and beyond surgery.” Before surgery, anaesthetists assess patients, identify risks and prepare them for safe procedures. During surgery, they provide anaesthesia and pain relief, maintain vital functions, monitor patients and manage emergencies. Afterwards, they provide recovery care, manage acute pain, support critically ill patients and prevent or treat complications.
At JUTH, he said, the department supports surgical services, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU), the high-dependency units (HDU) and emergency resuscitation. It also provides pain management training and trains residents, nurse anaesthetists, ICU trainees and students.
The department thanked the CMD and management for employing anaesthesia residents, which has strengthened the workforce and training capacity, and for ongoing efforts to provide and repair equipment and improve facilities in the theatres, ICU, PACU and HDU. Building on this partnership, it made an appeal to management in the shared interest of improved patient care.
Responding on his behalf, Dr Lamu said the Chief Medical Director had specifically asked that the department be appreciated for giving its best despite the demanding conditions they work under, adding that the team’s efficiency and commitment make surgery possible and ensure patients are revived afterwards. She assured the department that management would look into its appeal.
She urged the team not to give up but to keep up the good work and the teamwork, noting that management appreciates everything they do. She then congratulated the department on behalf of the CMD and wished them a pleasant and productive celebration. The visit ended with a group photograph.
GALLERY
