Additional listings on the Pharmaceutical Schedule of a range of orthopaedic implants and associated products from REM Systems Limited
PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of an amendment to the sterilisation packaging products and associated consumables, and surgical gloves agreement with REM Systems Limited (“REM”).
This was the subject of a consultation letter dated 30 June 2017.
In summary, the effect of the decision is that:
- REM’s range of orthopaedic implants, and associated products will be listed in Section H, Part III, (‘Optional Pharmaceuticals’) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 September 2017.
- DHB hospitals can purchase these items directly from REM.
- For the DHBs that currently use these products, the national agreement will deliver some savings.
Details of the decision
In April 2016 PHARMAC released a request for proposal (“RFP”) for orthopaedic implants and associated products for non-exclusive national Pharmaceutical Schedule listing agreements; for medical devices. The purpose of the RFP was to secure national contracts for DHB hospitals to purchase from.
REM’s proposal met the RFP requirements and its current Agreement for sterilisation packaging products and associated consumables, and surgical gloves, was amended to incorporate the proposed orthopaedic implants and associated products that were in line with the scope of the RFP.
This will result in national savings of approximately $11,000 per annum to DHBs that use these products, based on current usage.
The agreement is not exclusive. DHBs can continue to purchase other brands of orthopaedic implants and associated products at their discretion.
Educational services will be provided by REM to DHB personnel on appropriate use of its orthopaedic implants and associated products and will be arranged in a format and at times as agreed with individual DHBs.
Feedback received
PHARMAC appreciates all of the feedback that it has received and acknowledges the time people took to respond. All consultation responses received by 21 July 2017 were considered in their entirety in making a decision on the proposed changes. The responses were supportive of the proposal, and the following issues were raised in relation to specific aspects of the proposal:
| Theme | Comment |
|---|---|
| Were power tool consumables covered in the agreement? | Yes |
More information
If you have any questions about this decision, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50.