PHARMAC’s implementation of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) provisions and other amendments to application processes

Medicines Consultation Closed

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on our proposed approach to addressing New Zealand’s obligations under the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement.

PHARMAC receives applications from a wide range of people asking us to fund particular medicines and in the future we expect to be asked about funding particular medical devices.

New Zealand has obligations under the TPP, relating to Transparency and Procedural Fairness for Pharmaceutical Products and Medical Devices, which are to be implemented by PHARMAC. 

These obligations would relate to suppliers of new medicines. PHARMAC would be required to set a timeframe for considering eligible applications, and to establish a specific review process for funding applications we decide not to list. Eligible applications would be considered under a ‘TPP track’.

These changes would not change the heart of the PHARMAC model and would only take effect when the TPP comes in to effect for New Zealand.

PHARMAC is using this opportunity to also propose other improvements to our funding application process. Some proposed improvements to support the TPP track would also be available to applicants on the ‘Open track’ (non-TPP track applications).

Funding applications on the TPP track would not ‘queue-jump’ ahead of other applications although decisions would be made within a specified period of time, which may be extended by PHARMAC.

The outcome of the consultation could mean changes to some sections of PHARMAC’s Operating Policies and Procedures (OPP).

The total cost to PHARMAC of implementing the TPP-related amendments is estimated at NZ$4.5 million in one-off establishment costs, plus NZ$2.2 million ongoing per year costs.

Feedback sought

Please submit feedback on the proposal by Friday, 28 October 2016.

All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by PHARMAC’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.

In submitting your response, you will have an option provided to indicate if your submission contains sensitive information.

Give feedback online

The online portal  to submit feedback requires people to log in and provide information such as an email and physical address. Please be assured that this information remains private.

View the consultation and provide feedback online [link removed]

Give feedback in hardcopy

To provide feedback in hardcopy please contact us for a questionnaire feedback form:

Email: opp@pharmac.govt.nz
Phone: 04 460 4990
Post: PO Box 10254, Wellington 6143

Feedback is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 

Please note that feedback we receive is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) and we will consider any request to have information withheld in accordance with our obligations under the OIA. Anyone providing feedback, whether on their own account or on behalf of an organisation, and whether in a personal or professional capacity, should be aware that the content of their feedback and their identity may need to be disclosed in response to an OIA request.

We are not able to treat any part of your feedback as confidential unless you specifically request that we do, and then only to the extent permissible under the OIA and other relevant laws and requirements. If you would like us to withhold any commercially sensitive, confidential proprietary, or personal information included in your submission, please clearly state this in your submission and identify the relevant sections of your submission that you would like it withheld.  PHARMAC will give due consideration to any such request.