Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Universal Specialities Limited

What we’re proposing

Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to list medical devices supplied by Universal Specialities Limited (“USL”) in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 September 2021.

We propose to list medical devices in the following category:

• non-invasive ventilation equipment and associated products ("NIV products").

Consultation closes at 4pm Monday 2 August 2021 and feedback can be emailed to ruben.kunst-sopacua@pharmac.govt.nz.

What would the effect be?

From 1 September, USL’s range of medical devices in the category noted above 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 USL for the medical devices included in the Agreement. Any device listed in the 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.

As part of the Agreement, USL would provide appropriate training and education services that would be tailored to the needs of the individuals 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

• 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 the medical devices

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:

• supply of non-invasive ventilation equipment and associated products

Pharmac is working with a range of suppliers to seek provisional agreements in this category, this proposal is the latest to arise from these processes. 

We expect to consult on further proposed agreements in the NIV category over the coming months.

Details about our proposal

The proposal would result in Pharmaceutical Schedule listings for 43 NIV products supplied by USL. The proposed NIV products are from Lowenstein Medical Technology manufacturing.

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

To provide feedback

Send us an email: ruben.kunst-sopacua@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm Monday 2 August 2021. 

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