Agreement with Edwards Lifesciences (New Zealand) Limited for the supply of Interventional Cardiology Devices
PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of an agreement with Edwards Lifesciences (New Zealand) Limited (“Edwards”) for the supply of interventional cardiology devices.
PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of an agreement with Edwards Lifesciences (New Zealand) Limited (“Edwards”) for the supply of interventional cardiology devices.
This was the subject of a consultation letter dated 13 June 2017.
In summary, the effect of the decision is that:
- A range of 15 transcatheter aortic valve devices (“TAVI”) will be listed in Section H, Part III, (‘Optional Pharmaceuticals’) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 August 2017.
- DHB hospitals can purchase these items directly from Edwards.
- The proposal will not increase the annual spend to those DHBs with Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) services, currently using the Edwards devices.
Details of the decision
Following a Registration of Interest for Interventional Cardiology Devices issued in April 2014, PHARMAC has entered into an agreement with Edwards for the supply of a selection of TAVI to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. This means that DHB hospitals that purchase the Edwards TAVI must do so under the national agreement at the new pricing from 1 August 2017.
The agreement is not exclusive. DHBs can continue to purchase other brands of TAVI at their discretion.
Educational services will be provided by Edwards to DHB personnel on appropriate use of its TAVI 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 4 July 2017 were considered in their entirety in making a decision on the proposed changes.
A summary of the feedback received is provided in the Table below:
| Theme | PHARMAC Comment |
|---|---|
| A DHB provided feedback on terms and conditions for consignment stock and return of stock fees. | PHARMAC noted the feedback.Terms and conditions for consignment stock and return of stock fees reflect current practice in DHBs for these devices. |
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.