Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Johnson & Johnson (New Zealand) Limited

What we’re proposing

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range medical devices supplied by Johnson & Johnson (New Zealand) Limited (“J&J”) in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 April 2021.

We propose to list medical devices supplied by J&J in the following categories:

• surgical suction, chest and wound drainage; and
• endomechanical and electrosurgical products.

Consultation closes at 12 noon 3 March 2021 and feedback can be emailed to maree.hodgson@pharmac.govt.nz.

What would the effect be?

From 1 April 2021, J&J’s range of medical devices in the categories listed above would be listed under the proposed national agreement (“Agreement”) that all DHBs may purchase under, subject to consultation and approval by PHARMAC’s Board or delegate.

The Agreement would not be for sole supply, with DHBs continuing to be able to purchase other suppliers’ brands of medical devices in the categories listed above.

The Agreement would supersede any existing DHB contract with J&J for the devices included in the Agreement. Any medical device listed in the Agreement, and purchased by a DHB, would be at the terms and conditions, including price, stated in the Agreement, effective from the date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

As part of the Agreement J&J would provide appropriate training and educational services and clinical support that would be tailored to the individual needs of DHBs.

Pricing for the medical devices in the Agreement, subject to any prior termination of the Agreement, would not be increased without prior consultation and approval by PHARMAC.

Who we think will be interested

• Suppliers and wholesalers
• DHB staff:
  
  • Clinical/Biomedical Engineers
  • Surgeons
  • Perioperative staff
  • Theatre staff
  • Central sterile services personnel
  • Surgical and general ward staff
  • Procurement and supply chain personnel

About the medical devices

Surgical suction, chest and wound drainage

Surgical interventions of any kind result in tissue damage and blood and other fluid loss. To manage this during the procedure itself, suction equipment is used to remove tissue particles and fluid to ensure the operating field is kept clean and clear.

A drain is described as any material or equipment used to carry fluid or air from inside the body to the surface. Drains can be used with or without previous surgical intervention e.g. chest drains inserted at the bedside or placed in theatre during surgery. Drains can be classified as either open or closed systems.

Irrigation systems can be used to provide a steady flow of a solution across an open wound to provide wound hydration, to remove deep debris and to assist visualisation. It can be applied using a variety of techniques and devices.

Endomechanical and electrosurgical products

Endomechanical and Electrosurgical Products are used in a vast range of surgical specialties and procedures. Many have been specifically designed to be used for minimally invasive surgical techniques whilst others are only used in open surgery procedures. Some require power sources or other equipment to perform their function.

The Endomechanical and Electrosurgical Products category encompasses the product ranges of endomechanical instruments, electrosurgical instruments, energy platforms and their associated consumable products. This covers both disposable and re-usable options, as well as the portable power sources or other equipment that specific instruments may require to be functional.

Why we’re proposing this

In 2018 PHARMAC issued request for proposals (RFPs) for:

• supply of surgical suction, chest and wound drainage products;
• supply of endomechanical instruments, electrosurgical instruments, energy platforms and consumables.

The RFPs were for non-exclusive national agreements for listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

PHARMAC has been working with suppliers in order to seek provisional agreements and this is the latest proposal to arise from those processes. We intend to consult on further provisional agreements with other suppliers for the supply of endomechanical and electrosurgical products over the coming months.  This is the final contract in the supply of surgical suction, chest and wound drainage products category.

Details about our proposal

The proposal would result in 341 medical devices in the following brands and quantities, in each category, as set out below, being listed:

A full product list with pricing has been made available to appropriate DHB personnel. 

To provide feedback

Send us an email:  maree.hodgson@pharmac.govt.nz by 12 noon Wednesday 3 March 2021.

All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by PHARMAC’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.

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