Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Medtronic New Zealand Limited
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range medical devices in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
What we’re proposing
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range of medical devices supplied by Medtronic New Zealand Limited (“Medtronic”) in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 May 2021.
We propose to list medical devices supplied by Medtronic in the following categories:
Consultation closes at 12 noon Thursday 25 March 2021 and feedback can be emailed to maree.hodgson@pharmac.govt.nz.
What would the effect be?
From 1 May 2021, Medtronic’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 contracts with Medtronic 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 Medtronic 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 engineers
- Surgeons
- Perioperative staff
- Theatre staff
- Procurement and supply chain personnel
- Surgical and general ward staff
- Central sterile services personnel
- Renal Dialysis staff
About the medical devices
Haemodialysis products
Haemodialysis is used to treat renal failure, both acute and chronic. The leading cause of renal failure is diabetes. Patients require treatments to be performed on average three times per week with each session lasting on average four hours. Most treatment is provided in a DHB Hospital or DHB satellite centre, though some patients self-administer using equipment installed in their home.
Acute dialysis may be required for patients in intensive care who have undergone significant trauma or illness. Acute treatment may result in the patient’s full recovery or may lead to long term chronic dialysis. Chronic haemodialysis is usually required until either the patient changes to peritoneal dialysis, receives a kidney transplant or no longer gains benefit from treatment and enters palliative care.
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 haemodialysis equipment and 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 these categories over the coming months.
Details about our proposal
The proposal would result in 417 medical devices, of the following brands and quantities in each category as set out below, being listed:
|
Category |
Brands |
Line items |
|---|---|---|
| Haemodialysis |
|
40 |
|
Endomechanical and electrosurgical |
|
377 |
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 Thursday 25 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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