The National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) has launched a joint investigation with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) after 18 portable ultrasound machines were reported missing during distribution to government health facilities, according to a press release dated March 18, 2026.
The NMSA, which is responsible for the procurement, warehousing, and nationwide distribution of drugs and medical supplies, confirmed that the 18 units could not be accounted for following a routine stock reconciliation after a recent dispatch from its central warehouse. The equipment was intended for district and peripheral clinics, though the specific facilities were not disclosed.
To support the investigation, NMSA management has submitted records of all staff involved in the distribution chain during the period under review, including manifests, delivery notes, and staff duty rosters. “The Agency assures the public that the matter is being treated with the utmost urgency,” the statement said, adding that efforts are underway to ensure a swift investigation, recovery of the missing equipment, and delivery to the intended health facilities to improve healthcare outcomes.
The NMSA reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity, warning that any staff found culpable of undermining healthcare delivery “will face the full force of the law.” The ACC has confirmed its involvement and will lead the criminal aspects of the investigation, while the NMSA focuses on internal administrative reviews and asset-tracking measures.
The press release did not name any suspects or provide an estimated value for the missing machines. It also stated that no further comments would be made pending the outcome of the investigation.
The agency emphasized that recovering and redeploying the ultrasound machines to the intended facilities remains a top priority. It added that the records submitted to the ACC are intended to establish an audit trail from procurement through to delivery and to identify any weaknesses in the supply chain.
Both agencies have appealed to staff, transport contractors, and members of the public with relevant information to come forward and cooperate with investigators. The outcome of the joint probe and whether the missing equipment is recovered will be key to restoring public confidence in the distribution of essential diagnostic tools to frontline health services.