The Government recognises efforts of Faith Based Organizations (FBOs)

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 “The government is recognising the greatest support being undertaken by the Churches owned health facilities in delivering quality health services in Tanzania, such efforts have highly contributed on improving health services especially in remote areas”

This statement was made by Dr. Margaret Mhando the Director of Curative services Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Seif Rashid when officiating the first Consultative meeting of the Council Designated Hospitals (CDHs) which held on 17^th June, 2014 in Dar es Salaam. The meeting aimed at enhancing Partnership in health delivery in Tanzania, it was organised by the Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC).  

Dr. Mhando went on saying that the main objective of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy is to improve participation of the private sector through resource provision, capital investment, managerial skills and technology through efficient and sustainable PPP arrangements aimed at improved delivery of reliable, affordable and accessible health and social welfare services for Tanzanians, with special emphasis on the poor and vulnerable groups.

In addition, Dr. Margret stressed that, the government will continue with its commitment of providing supports in all necessary areas with regards to PPP guidelines.

During the discussion, majority of the participants raised the concerns on various issues regarding to PPP implementation such as inadequate understanding and implementation of the policies and regulatory frameworks. This sometimes leads to duplication of efforts which is against of the Primary Health Services Development Programme (MMAM).In addressing such concern, Dr. Mhando insisted the importance of having dialogue and clear communication between Councils and the service providers.

PPP in health sector goes back to early nineteen, during colonial rule times when the first missionaries came to Tanzania, they established health services partnering with the government. By then there was no guiding principles and guideline on the implementation.

Currently, the Government has set health policy and legal framework at national and local levels for encouraging development of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country. The churches observe these policies and act as agents in the provision of health services by virtue of receiving subventions from the government in terms of bed, staff grants and secondment of health personnel. The 38 District designated Hospitals spread all over the country receives 100% financial support from the government for recurrent expenditure to run these facilities. The participants of the meeting were the owners, doctors in charges and government officials.