The Operating Room Global (TORG) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Edwin Rwebugisa Lugazia, MD MMed. FCTA, MBA as the Chairperson of the TORG Advisory Board. Dr. Lugazia brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of Anaesthesia, critical care, and patient safety, making him an invaluable addition to our leadership team.
With a remarkable career spanning over 25 years, Dr. Edwin Lugazia has made significant contributions to the healthcare landscape, particularly in Tanzania and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Currently serving as the Head of Department of Anaesthesiology at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dr. Lugazia also holds the role of Consultant Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiologist. His oversight extends to anaesthesia and critical care clinical training at renowned institutions including the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), and the Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI).
Over the past decade, Dr. Lugazia has led and coordinated efforts aimed at addressing the shortage of anaesthesia and critical care workforce while driving quality improvement initiatives. He has been instrumental in developing strategies to enhance patient safety in low-resource settings, with a keen focus on Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) integration. His commitment to self-sufficiency has led to advocacy, program development, and implementation, ultimately contributing to sustainable healthcare practices in Tanzania and the wider SADC region.
A key figure in the development and implementation of the National Surgical Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP), now ECO services, in Tanzania, Dr. Lugazia’s influence has been pivotal in enhancing anaesthesia and critical care services. His dedication to patient safety and quality of care is reflected in his involvement in advanced surgical interventions such as open heart surgery, interventional cardiology services, and renal transplants.
Dr. Lugazia’s achievements extend beyond clinical practice. He is an active member and facilitator of the Tanzania Institute of Directors (IoDT) and serves as President of the Society of Anaesthesiologists of Tanzania (SATA). His leadership roles also include being Deputy Secretary General of the College of Anaesthesiologists of East, Central and Southern Africa (CANECSA), where he plays a crucial role in advancing the field on a regional level.
His global impact is notable as well, as a member of various committees and working groups under the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) and World Society for Intravenous Anaesthesia (World SIVA). Dr. Lugazia’s commitment to healthcare excellence is further underscored by his involvement in the SADC Health Ministers Technical Expert Working Group on Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia services.
Dr. Edwin Rwebugisa Lugazia holds MD and MMed degrees from the University of Dar es Salaam, a Fellowship in Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia from CIHS-India, and an MBA in Corporate Management from Mzumbe University (MU). His leadership, dedication, and passion for patient safety and quality improvement make him an exceptional choice as Chairperson of the TORG Advisory Council.
We warmly welcome Dr. Lugazia to our leadership team and look forward to the insights and direction he will provide as we continue our mission to advance surgical care and enhance healthcare outcomes on a global scale.