Dr. Esquijarosa Hechavarria Maite

A Message from the Head of Department 
It is my privilege and honour to welcome you to the Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care at the University of Health and Allied Sciences, a place where patient safety, clinical excellence and medical innovation converge. Our Department plays a pivotal role in the continuum of healthcare, ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate care during surgery, critical illness and life-threatening emergencies.

We are proud to be a centre of learning and practice that blends rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical exposure in real-world settings. Our students and trainees are immersed in a highly collaborative environment where anaesthetists, intensivists, surgeons, nurses and allied health professionals work seamlessly together to optimise patient outcomes. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that our graduates leave not only with advanced technical skills but also with the ability to think critically, act decisively and communicate effectively under pressure.

In the fast-paced and often unpredictable environments of the operating theatre, intensive care unit and emergency department, there is no margin for error. That is why we place a strong emphasis on simulation-based learning, advanced monitoring technologies and evidence-based clinical protocols. These training experiences help build both competence and confidence, enabling our students to manage complex cases with precision, empathy and resilience.

Our Department is also deeply engaged in research aimed at improving anaesthesia techniques, critical care practices, pain management, and perioperative patient safety. By integrating scientific discovery into clinical practice, we ensure that our methods are at the forefront of global standards, while still being responsive to the unique challenges and resource realities of the Ghanaian healthcare system.

Beyond the technical and scientific aspects, we are committed to cultivating the human side of medicine. In anaesthesia and critical care, our work often involves patients and families at their most vulnerable moments. We believe that kindness, clear communication and emotional support are as essential as clinical skill in achieving the best possible outcomes.

Whether you are joining us as a student eager to learn, a professional seeking advanced training, a researcher contributing to innovation, or a healthcare partner dedicated to improving patient care, you are warmly welcome. Together, we can advance the frontiers of anaesthesia and critical care, ensuring safer surgeries, better critical care outcomes and renewed hope for patients and families in Ghana and beyond.