Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Draeger New Zealand Limited

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range of 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 in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 June 2021, through a provisional agreement with Draeger New Zealand Limited (“Draeger“).

We propose to list medical devices supplied by Cubro Limited in the following category:

Consultation closes at 4pm Tuesday 27 April 2021 and feedback can be emailed to ruben.kunst-sopacua@pharmac.govt.nz.

What would the effect be?

From 1 June 2021, Draeger ’s range of NIV products would be listed under a national agreement for all DHBs to purchase under, subject to consultation and approval by PHARMAC’s Board or delegate (“Agreement”).

The Agreement would not be for sole supply, with DHBs continuing to be able to purchase other suppliers’ brands of NIV products.

The Agreement would supersede any existing DHB contracts with Draeger for the NIV products included in the Agreement.  Any NIV products listed in the Agreement and purchased by the DHB would be at the price, and the terms and conditions stated in the Agreement, effective from the date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

As part of the Agreement, Draeger would provide training and education that would be tailored to the needs of the individuals DHBs.

Who we think will be interested

  • DHB staff:
    • clinical staff in a range of inpatient, outpatient and community settings where NIV products are used
    • respiratory and sleep clinic specialists and support personnel
    • pulmonary rehabilitation specialists
    • procurement and supply chain personnel
  • Users of NIV products
  • Suppliers and wholesalers

About non-invasive ventilation (NIV) products

NIV products are used to assist people with a wide range of airway and breathing related illnesses, that are often long-term in nature, in both hospital and community settings. Non-invasive ventilation therapy is a patient ventilation treatment that supports breathing without the need for intubation or surgical airways, and can be delivered through positive pressure or negative pressure modalities.

PHARMAC’s NIV products category includes positive and negative pressure ventilation devices, oxygen concentration devices and respiratory gas humidifiers and their associated consumables and accessories. A wide range of clinicians and support people can be involved with  these therapies, including respiratory physicians, general physicians, respiratory nurses, respiratory therapists, pulmonary rehabilitation specialists, sleep therapists, nurses across many areas, and people in the community.

Why we’re proposing this

In 2018 PHARMAC issued a request for proposals (RFP) for:

The RFP was for non-exclusive national agreements for listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

PHARMAC has been working with suppliers who responded to the RFP to seek provisional agreements and this proposal is the latest to arise from that process. We expect to consult on further proposed agreements with suppliers of NIV products over the coming months.

Details about our proposal

PHARMAC has entered into a provisional agreement with Draeger for their range of NIV products. Pricing has been made available to appropriate DHB personnel.

This proposal would result in listing 45 Draeger manufactured NIV products on the Pharmaceutical Schedule under their own Draeger brand.

To provide feedback

Send us an email: ruben.kunst-sopacua@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm Tuesday 27 April 2021. 

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