Proposal to list infusion devices supplied by Baxter Healthcare Limited

What we’re proposing

We propose to list medical devices in the following categories:

• a range of non-dedicated & consumable infusion devices (“infusion devices”)

Consultation closes at 4pm Tuesday 29 June 2021 and feedback can be emailed to tyson.edwards@pharmac.govt.nz.

What would the effect be?

From 1 August 2021, Baxter’s ranges of non-dedicated & consumable infusion devices and infusion equipment and associated devices (“infusion devices”) would be listed under a 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 Infusion Devices.

The Agreement would supersede any existing DHB contracts with Baxter for the devices listed in the Agreement. Any device listed in a PHARMAC Agreement and purchased by a DHB would be at the price, terms and conditions stated in the Agreement, effective from the date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

Pricing for the devices in this 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

• DHB clinical staff in a range of different clinical settings including:
  
  • Procurement officers and supply chain personnel
  • Clinical engineers and maintenance services
  • ICU, emergency, and critical care staff
  • Anaesthetists
  • Perioperative care staff
  • Surgeons
  • Oncologists
  • Nurses (both inpatient and community based)
  • Infection control
  • General medical ward staff
• Suppliers and wholesalers

About the infusion devices

Infusion devices are medical devices used, or associated with devices used, in the infusion of fluids such as medications, intravenous solutions (such as saline, glucose, and electrolyte solutions), blood, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions into the body. This includes medical devices used in intravenous therapy as well as other infusion therapies.

PHARMAC’s infusion devices category includes:

• non-dedicated and consumable infusion devices not associated with infusion equipment; and

• infusion equipment and associated devices.

Why we’re proposing this

In 2018 PHARMAC issued a Request for Proposals for:

• supply of infusion devices (including non-dedicated and consumable infusion devices and infusion equipment and associated devices)

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. This proposal is the latest to arise from this process and we expect to consult on further provisional agreements with suppliers of infusion devices throughout 2021.

Details about our proposal

PHARMAC has entered into a provisional agreement with Baxter for the supply of infusion devices.

The proposal would result in Pharmaceutical Schedule listings for:

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: tyson.edwards@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm Tuesday 29 June 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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