24 September 2025
On a historic day for health services within the ELCT Southern Diocese, the inauguration ceremony of a new diagnostic building and a modern CT scan machine was held at the Lutheran Hospital Ilembula. This event marked a major step forward in improving medical services for the Southern community and Tanzania as a whole.
The ceremony was led by Rev. Dr. George Mark Fihavango, Bishop of the ELCT Southern Diocese, in collaboration with Rev. Sauli Mpimbi, the District pastor of Ilembula district. These leaders delivered messages of hope, gratitude, and a call to continue providing quality services to the community. Also, various pastors from different parishes attended, showing spiritual and social solidarity in this event.
In his sermon, Bishop Dr. Fihavango explained in detail that: “Just as the law helps us recognize justice and leads us back to repentance to repair our relationship with God, so too will the CT Scan machine help doctors know exactly where the problem is, simplify treatment, and perform large-scale treatment.” These words touched the hearts of many, showing how health services can be part of God’s work of healing and restoration.
Attendees of this special service
This service and event were attended by: Church leaders from the head office of the ELCT Southern Diocese, several District Pastor, various parish pastors, treasurers, evangelists and congregants especially from the Ilembula parish.
Ilembula Hospital staff, including doctors and nurses led by the hospital secretary Jackson Vegula, hospital’s Doctor in charge Dr. Baldovino Pangamawe, Deputy medical officer and who facilitated this process of obtaining this CT scan machine Dr. Kronenberg, Former doctor in charge Mwalumuli.
Guests were invited from health institutions and development organizations within and outside Tanzania, including Jochen Lufunyo Doering from Germany who has been at the forefront of the development of Ilembula Hospital and is one of the people who made this machine possible. Country director action medeor Masuki, Action medeor Eng. Geofrey Temihango, Pastor Daniel Keiling, Leipzig Mission
Sponsors who contributed to the CT Scan Project at Ilembula Hospital
This project has been made possible through close collaboration with various international sponsors, including: Mission One World Bavaria-Germany, Oulu Ilembula Friends – Finland, Action Medeor – Germany Medical Aid Organization, Helga and Jochen Doering. Their contributions have enabled the acquisition of a CT scan machine, the construction of a modern building, and the strengthening of health screening services to international standards.
In a message read by Dr. Kronenberg and Lufunyo Doering, they expressed their feelings about the success of this project:
- Dr. Kronenberg sincerely thanked all the participants who made this process possible, expressing his great joy after his long-standing dream came true, the availability of a CT scan machine at Ilembula Hospital.
- Lufunyo Doering also expressed his joy at the availability of the machine, emphasizing that his real joy is to see continuous development at Ilembula Hospital, aimed at improving patient care.
Project Cost
According to a statement read by the Secretary of Ilembula Hospital, Jackson Vegula, this CT scan machine has cost over 640 million Tanzanian Shillings (Tsh 640,000,000/=). This cost includes the purchase of the machine, transportation, preparation of the building, and professional infrastructure for installation.
Benefits of CT scan to Society
- In-depth examination of internal diseases
- Speeding up the diagnosis of health problems
- Providing appropriate treatment to patients
Conclusion
The inauguration of the building and CT scan machine at Ilembula Lutheran Hospital is a clear testimony of how healthcare can be enhanced through spiritual, professional, and international collaboration. With the contributions of various stakeholders, the vision of Diocesan leaders, and the prayers of believers, a long-standing dream has become a reality that touches the lives of people.
This modern machine, valued at over Tsh 640,000,000/=, is not just a medical device, but an instrument of hope one that will help doctors provide better care, patients receive the right treatment, and the community see the fruits of faith in action. In Njombe region, CT scan machines are available in only three hospitals: Ikonda Hospital, Njombe Regional Hospital, and Ilembula Hospital making Ilembula a key hub for modern diagnostic services.
The ELCT Southern Diocese continues to affirm that the ministry of the soul and body is part of Christ’s calling to his church. We thank God for enabling us, we thank the stakeholders for their dedication, and we invite everyone to continue to pray for and support these efforts to bring life and development to our community.
To watch some videos Click here: https://youtu.be/nYwKHu_KQ7A?si=Ie3zKStsVHXXB1CN
WELCOME TO ILEMBULA LUTHERAN HOSPITAL
Provided by:
Christian Nakoli
0769628082
nakolichristian@gmail.com