The Catholic Church Health Service (CCHS) will now receive direct funding and support from the Government.
This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Department of Health today.
Archbishop Stephen Reichert said the direct funding and support will allow for more immediate and direct access to funding and services.
Archbishop Reichert said they’re happy to assist the Government in the role to deliver health care particular in rural areas.
“We want to make sure that the government recognises us as an organisation with employees as we need to take care of them as well.
“We are having this direct relationship because we are so large and we find ourselves at a bit of a disadvantage in trying to solve problems and making the service better,” he said.
The CCHS runs 67 health centres, 64 sub health centres and 59 aid posts and employs 32 health extension officers and 519 nurses.
Deputy Secretary Health Services Standards, Dr Paison Dakulala said this is a millstone because the biggest member of the church health services now stands on their own in terms of delivery of services.
“A good amount of the health services is done by the CCHS and it is an interesting approach so that we see how things are streamlined and see accountability and transparency,” Dr Dakulala said.