Agreement with Device Technologies New Zealand Limited for the supply of sterilisation packaging products and associated consumables

In summary, the effect of the decision is that:

• A range of 28 sterilisation assurance indicators (Brand: Albert Browne) will be listed in Section H, Part III, (‘Optional Pharmaceuticals’) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 January 2017.
• DHB hospitals can purchase these items either directly from Device Technologies or through a designated third party logistics provider under the national agreement.

Details of the decision

Following a two stage process for national contracting, an Expression of Interest (EOI) issued in July 2015 and a restricted Request for Proposals (RFP) in October 2015, PHARMAC has entered into an agreement with Device Technologies for the supply of a selection of sterilisation assurance indicators to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. This means that DHB hospitals that purchase these products must do so under the national agreement at the new pricing from 1 January 2017.

The list of products will be available on PHARMAC’s website in both a PDF document and a series of Excel spreadsheets as of 1 January 2017.

Device Technologies is an incumbent supplier of sterilisation assurance indicators to some DHBs and the agreement offers a small savings to these DHBs, based on current usage.

There may be savings to other DHBs depending on the mix of products they currently use and the market share they can commit to for any transition to the Device Technology products.

This agreement is not exclusive. DHBs can continue to purchase other brands of sterilisation assurance indicators at their discretion.

Educational services will be provided by Device Technologies to DHB personnel on the appropriate use of their sterilisation assurance indicators and this will be arranged in a format and at times agreed with individual DHBs.

This agreement is the tenth and final contract for the Sterilisation Packaging Products and Associated Consumables category arising from this procurement process.

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 28 November 2016 were considered in their entirety in making a decision on the proposed changes. No concerns were raised regarding the proposal.

More information

If you have any questions about this decision you can email PHARMAC at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50.