ACTis has raised two flags for the NHLS and placed two under monitoring.
The NHLS is experiencing systemic weaknesses across governance, procurement and financial functions. Weak controls, limited oversight and few consequences have allowed irregular processes to continue unhindered. High staff turnover and an above-average vacancy rate indicate that the working environment may not be conducive to professionals. This may be exacerbating governance issues across various functions.
Historical procurement-related corruption by one network has drawn attention, prompting investigations, contract cancellations and fund recovery. Attempts to improve governance and whistleblowing channels offer an opportunity to constrain risk escalation.
An emerging pattern of systemic, persistent weaknesses across several vital functions increases the NHLS’ exposure to corruption risks. Aside from the network under investigation, no publicly verifiable information indicated that any informal network is exercising sustained control over the institution.
The NHLS’s forensic chemical laboratories showed testing turnaround times above 80% of the targeted number of days, but only 7% of the toxicology case backlog was cleared in 2024/25.