Bulk irrigation and intravenous (IV) fluids: Hospital only issue

Health New Zealand hospitals minimally affected

While we are aware of supply pressures in other markets, New Zealand operates a different funding model and public hospitals have not been significantly impacted by any supply shortages.

While some products have experienced short term delays the impacts to hospitals has been minimal with orders being filled in days of it going on back order or suppliers communicating direct to hospitals about alternative codes.

We ask that hospitals keep normal ordering levels. If you need additional stock, please contact Baxter directly before placing the order. 

Products we're watching

Water (Kabi) Inj 250 ml bag (Fresenius Kabi)(external link) (Pharmacode 2510804) A small amount has arrived by air freight. It is being allocated by Health New Zealand to ensure stock is distributed fairly to hospitals. A large shipment is expected to arrive by 23 December and should be available by the week beginning 6 January 2025, at the latest. 

Supply to improve by the end of the year

Pharmac continues to work with our bulk fluid suppliers to monitor the situation. The forecast for the rest of the year looks stable and we don’t anticipate any significant impacts.

Bulk fluid suppliers have indicated that they expect New Zealand supply to improve by the end of the year.

Who to contact

If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.

Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)