By Oriaku Angela & Dim Chinwendu

“Excellence in Anaesthesia is not just a goal, but a Commitment to every patient that is being served” Those were the words of the Guest Lecturer, Elder Dr. Patrick Egwu, Nurse Anaesthetist, National Orthopaedics Hospital, Enugu, during the celebration of this year’s (2024) Association of West African Students Anaesthetic (AWASA) week (World Anaesthesia Day) and the Launch of the 14th Edition of their Magazine, Laryngoscope, yesterday, October 16, 2024.

The annual event which is being organized by the Association of West African Student Anaesthetists (AWASA), with support from the School Authority, had the Theme: “Imperatives of Anaesthesia Practice in a Challenging Economy“, and was held at the School Auditorium, located at the Old-Site of the Hospital.

In a Welcome Address, the President, Student Union Government of the School, Comr. Garba Kenneth noted that the AWASA week Celebration is a unique time in the life of the Nurse Anaesthetists, where-by they translate theory into practice, publish their Research works, showcase their different cultural talents and also repolarize their muscles. He thanked the CMD, Prof. Obinna Onudugo and members of his Management, for providing the enabling environment to achieve their aspirations and appreciated their coordinator Mrs. Chukwurah Catherine for her relentless efforts in bringing the School to an enviable height. He however pleaded that their prevalent needs be met.

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Prof. Obinna Onodugo, was represented by the DCMAC, in charge of Laboratory Services and Radiology, Dr Salome Ezeofor.

In her speech, Dr. Ezeofor, pointed out that in Challenging Economy, discipline and consistency is much needed. she said, “I encourage the students to consider their study as first priority, strive to be ethical in your practice”. The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Prof Joy Eze was represented. Dr. Benjamin Ukwuani stood in for the Director of Administration, Mrs Obi Uche. Other important guests were The Head of Department, College of Nursing Science, UNTH, Mrs. Ebere Okorochukwu. The Heads, Nursing Services, Mrs. Joy Unigwe, School of Midwifery Mrs. Lucy Anukwe & others.

Highlights on the occasion were, songs, Drama, Cultural dance, Comedy shows,
Award of Excellence, presented to the CMD, Prof. Obinna Onudugo, Meritorious awards presented to Dr. Mrs. Ozoh ifeoma, Dr. Mrs. Ani Adaeze. Award of Best Coodinator presented to Mrs. Chukwurah Catherine, Award of Best Lecturer of the year 2024, presented to Lady Ubah Eunice Ebele, Award of Best Clinical Instructor of the year 2024 presented to Pastor Ugochukwu Peter Kauba, (Iyi Enu Hospital, Ogidi).