The University of Port Harcourt recently hosted its 202nd Inaugural Lecture, a thought-provoking event that shed light on the evolving quest for pain-free surgery. The lecture, delivered by Professor Longinus Ndubuisi Ebirim, an expert anaesthetist, took place at the prestigious World Bank Centre for Excellence auditorium of the university.
Professor Ebirim, drawing from years of research and practice, explored the history of pain in surgery before the discovery of anesthesia, describing it as an agonizing ordeal for patients, doctors, and families alike. He commended the progress made in significantly reducing surgical pain but emphasized that the journey is not yet complete.
In his lecture, he outlined the collaborative efforts of his medical team while stressing the urgent need for continued research, mentorship of the next generation of anaesthetists, broader healthcare financing, and the institutionalization of patient partnerships. According to him, the global fight against pain in surgery is inseparable from the larger fight for humanity.
The event was attended by members of the university community, academia, and healthcare practitioners, who listened with keen interest as Professor Ebirim issued a call to action. His words underscored the need for innovation and investment in medical science to ensure that surgical procedures become safer, more effective, and truly pain-free in the near future.
This inaugural lecture reaffirms the University of Port Harcourt’s commitment to advancing knowledge, promoting healthcare research, and mentoring professionals who will shape the future of medicine in Nigeria and beyond.
