In her statement, Prof. Dr. Hülya Sungurtekin, Head of the Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation at PAU Hospitals, said:

“World Anesthesia Day, observed every year on October 16, highlights the indispensable role of anesthesia in healthcare, recognizing its groundbreaking contribution to the development of modern medicine. The history of anesthesia began with the first successful ether anesthesia procedure performed on October 16, 1846. This development opened a new chapter in medical history by making it possible to perform surgical procedures painlessly and safely.

Today, anesthesiology is not only essential for ensuring the safe conduct of surgical operations but also constitutes a fundamental component of modern healthcare through intensive care, pain management, and life-support practices.

As an anesthesiologist working in the Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation and the Intensive Care Unit at Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, I take great pride in being part of this noble profession, which directly touches human lives and requires a high level of responsibility and dedication.

Ensuring our patients’ safety before, during, and after surgery, supporting critically ill individuals in their fight for survival, and contributing to the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services are among the most important responsibilities of our profession.

On the occasion of World Anesthesia Day, I would like to congratulate all anesthesia and intensive care professionals who carry out their duties devotedly, day and night. I also emphasize that increasing public awareness of and respect for our profession is of great importance for public health.”