Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Universal Specialities Limited

We propose to list medical devices supplied by Universal Specialities Limited (“USL”) in the following categories:

• obstetrics and gynaecology; and
• rehabilitation equipment, patient positioning products and supports.

Consultation closes at 4pm Monday 1 March 2021 and feedback can be emailed to alyssa.currie@pharmac.govt.nz.

What would the effect be?

From 1 April 2021 obstetrics and gynaecology medical devices and rehabilitation products supplied by USL would be listed under a proposed national agreement for all DHB hospitals to purchase under, subject to consultation and approval by PHARMAC’s board or delegate (“Agreement”).

The Agreement would not be for sole supply and DHBs can continue to purchase other suppliers’ brands of obstetrics and gynaecology medical devices and rehabilitation products.

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

As part of the Agreement USL would provide appropriate educational services that would be tailored to the individual needs of DHBs, in formats and at times as required by 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 and maintenance services
  • Delivery suite staff
  • DHB procurement and supply chain
  • Geriatricians
  • Midwives
  • Neurologists and Neurosurgeons
  • Nurses
  • Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Orthopaedic surgeons
  • Orthotists
  • Outpatient clinical staff
  • Paediatricians
  • Physiotherapists
  • Podiatrists
  • Rehabilitation physicians (including spinal units)
  • Speech-language therapists
  • Surgeons
  • Surgical, speciality units, gynaecology and general ward staff
  • Sterile services staff
  • Theatre and perioperative staff

About the medical devices

Obstetrics and gynaecology products

This category includes all equipment and consumables used in the obstetrics and gynaecology specialities. Products used in delivery suites and by midwives on the wards are included. Gynaecology is the specialty that treats conditions related to female reproductive organs. A small number of devices related to fertility and sterility may be listed as some limited assisted reproduction services are provided by a small number of DHB Hospitals. However, most funded services are provided by private clinics are therefore out of scope for PHARMAC. 

Rehabilitation products

Rehabilitation is the process of regaining strength or relearning skills after a serious injury, illness or surgery. Rehabilitation crosses all age groups, though the type, level and goals of rehabilitation will differ depending on the individual needs. Rehabilitation often focuses on:

• physical therapy to help with strength, mobility and fitness;
• occupational therapy to help with daily activities;
• speech-language therapy to help with speaking, understanding, reading, writing and swallowing;
• cognitive therapy (following head injury); and
• treatment of pain.

Why we’re proposing this

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

• supply of obstetrics and gynaecology products; and
• supply of rehabilitation equipment, patient positioning products and supports.

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

PHARMAC has been working with suppliers who responded to the RFPs, and proposals were progressed to contract negotiation, to seek provisional agreements. This proposal is the latest to arise from these processes and we expect to consult on further provisional agreements with suppliers of obstetrics and gynaecology medical devices and rehabilitation products throughout 2021.

Details about our proposal

The proposal would result in listing 91 medical devices of the following brands, and number of items in each category, being listed:

Further information, including pricing and contractual details, has been provided to DHB Procurement personnel. Clinicians interested in further detail on what this change means for their DHB should engage with their Procurement teams.

To provide feedback

Send us an email: consult@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm Monday 1 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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