Agreements with Protec Solutions Limited and Getinge New Zealand for the supply of sterilisation packaging products and associated consumables

These were the subject of consultation letters dated 2 March 2016 (Protec) and 4 March 2016 (Getinge) which can be found on PHARMAC’s website.

In summary, the effect of the decision is that:

• A range of 91 products will be listed in Section H, Part III, (‘Optional Pharmaceuticals’) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 May 2016.
  • Protec: 55 products – sterilisation pouches, reels and tray liners
  • Getinge: 36 products – sterilisation assurance indicators
• DHB hospitals can purchase these items either directly from Protec or Getinge 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 individual agreements with Protec and Getinge for the supply of a selection of sterilisation packaging products and associated consumables 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 May 2016.

The list of products will be available on PHARMAC’s website as of 1 May 2016, as both a PDF document and a series of Excel spreadsheets.

Protec is a current supplier of tray liners to some DHB. Protec sterilisation pouches and reels have not been previously sold to DHBs but are sold to hospitals in Australia and have a good reputation in the Australian market.

Getinge do not currently supply any sterilisation assurance indicators to DHBs but these products are sold to hospitals in Australia and have a good reputation in the Australian market.

National savings opportunities that could result from these contracts, should DHBs choose to purchase the Getinge sterilisation assurance indicators and/or Protec sterilisation pouches and reels, would be dependent on the number of DHBs that choose to transition from an incumbent supplier to Getinge and/or Protec, the mix of products currently in use in different DHBs and the number of product lines and market share commitment involved in each DHB transition.

These agreements are not exclusive. DHBs can continue to purchase other brands of sterilisation packaging products and associated consumables at their discretion.

Educational services will be provided by Protec and Getinge to DHB personnel on the appropriate use of their sterilisation packaging products and associated consumables and this will be arranged in a format and at times 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 24 March 2016 were considered in their entirety in making a decision on the proposed changes. No concerns were raised regarding the proposals.

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.