By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) has on March 18, 2026 commenced a joint investigation with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into the reported disappearance of portable ultrasound machines during the distribution process to health facilities across the country.
According to an official Press Release issued by the Ministry of Health through the NMSA, the Agency mandated to procure, store and distribute drugs and medical supplies nationwide, acted swiftly upon discovering irregularities involving the medical equipment. The missing ultrasound machines were part of essential supplies intended to strengthen diagnostic capacity in Government health institutions.
The NMSA confirmed that it has fully engaged the ACC to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter. As part of the process, all staff involved in the distribution chain, from the central warehouse to beneficiary health facilities, have been identified and submitted to support ongoing inquiries.
“The Agency has submitted all relevant staff involved in the distribution chain for the period under review to support the ongoing investigation,” the statement noted, underscoring its commitment to accountability.
Management of the NMSA emphasized that any personnel found culpable in actions that undermine the delivery of quality healthcare services will face the full force of the law. This firm stance reflects the Government’s broader efforts to combat corruption and safeguard critical public resources within the health sector.
Reaffirming its mandate, the NMSA reiterated its dedication to transparency, accountability and integrity in the procurement, storage and distribution of medical supplies. The Agency plays a pivotal role in ensuring that life-saving equipment and medicines reach health facilities efficiently and reliably.
The Agency further assured the public that the situation is being treated with the utmost urgency. Measures are currently underway not only to investigate and recover the missing ultrasound machines but also to strengthen systems to prevent future occurrences.
Health experts have highlighted the importance of portable ultrasound machines in improving maternal and general diagnostic healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Their disappearance, therefore, raises significant concerns about service delivery and access to timely medical care.
The NMSA stressed that recovering the missing equipment and ensuring its delivery to the intended health facilities remains a top priority. Authorities believe that swift action and collaboration with the ACC will help restore public confidence and reinforce institutional accountability.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain patient as investigations continue, with assurances that the outcome will be handled transparently and in the interest of strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare system.
