DEPUTY Prime Minister, Dr Doto Biteko has expressed the government appreciation for the efforts being made by religious institutions to move various services closer to the citizens in rural and urban areas.
Dr Biteko who is also the Minister for Minerals made the statement during his working visit to San Pio Hospital at Bukombe District in Geita region. The hospital serves 2,000 patients a year.
In recognition of the contribution of religious institutions, Dr Biteko said that the government is always ready to cooperate with religious institutions to develop what they intend to do in society.
He also commended the leadership and staff of the hospital under the Director, Sister Teresa Goska, for providing the best health services to the people and also their decision to start providing services in the education sector where they have started with nursery school.
Similarly, Dr Biteko consoled various admitted patients and those who were waiting for services as well as inspecting the hospital’s buildings and infrastructure.
The management of the hospital thanked Dr Biteko for visiting the hospital, which they said it shows the government recognises and appreciates services provided by the hospital which is under the Catholic Church Diocese of Kahama.
Dr Biteko was accompanied by Geita Regional Commissioner, Martine Shigella and some leaders of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Religious institutions are taking a lead role in spearheading the government’s efforts of not only providing quality social service to Tanzanians but also being true custodians in shaping and moulding them spiritually.
According to Religions and Development Research Programme, Faith-based organisations (FBOs) have over the years provided important social and developmental services in Tanzania.
Their contribution in the fields of health, education and caring for the disabled has been significant. Christian organisations in particular have been very active in the provision of social services.
FBOs are found in both categories, they are referred to as religious organisations in the first and as church or mosque organisations in the second.
FBOs can also be considered part of civil society when they engage in issues to promote the collective public good and when they operate within the broader civic community.
