Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Quantum Healthcare NZ 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 medical devices supplied by Quantum Healthcare NZ Limited (“Quantum Healthcare”) in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 April 2023 in the following category:
- Medical imaging, software and associated products (“medical imaging”).
Consultation closes at 4pm Thursday 2 March 2023 and feedback can be emailed to devices@pharmac.govt.nz.
What would the effect be?
From 1 April 2023 medical devices supplied Quantum Healthcare would be listed under a proposed national agreement for all Te Whatu Ora 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 Te Whatu Ora hospitals can continue to purchase other suppliers’ brands of medical imaging, software and associated products.
The Agreement would supersede any existing Te Whatu Ora agreements with Quantum Healthcare for the medical devices included in the Agreement. Any medical device listed in the Agreement and purchased by Te Whatu Ora would be in accordance with the terms and conditions, including price, stated in the Agreement effective from the date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
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
- Te Whatu Ora staff in a range of different clinical settings including but not limited to:
- Clinicians
- Radiology
- Nurses
- Clinical engineers and maintenance services
- Procurement and supply chain personnel
- Suppliers and wholesalers
About the medical devices
Medical imaging
Medical imaging is the technique and process of imaging the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention, as well as visual representation of the function of some organs or tissues.
Why we’re proposing this
In November 2020 Pharmac, in conjunction with New Zealand Health Partnerships, released the following Request for Proposal (RFP):
The RFP was for non-exclusive national agreements for listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
Pharmac has been working with suppliers who responded to the procurement processes to seek provisional agreements. This proposal consists of the latest agreement to arise from the RFP and we expect to consult on further provisional agreements with suppliers in this category throughout 2023.
Details about our proposal
The proposal would result in listing 102 medical devices in medical imaging, software and associated products category in the Pharmaceutical Schedule as follows:
- Carestream DRX Evolution Plus,
- Carestream DRX Compass,
- Carestream DRX Revolution,
- Carestream Transportable Lite; and
- United Imaging
Further information, including pricing and contractual details, has been provided to Te Whatu Ora Procurement personnel. Clinicians interested in further detail on what this change means for their Te Whatu Ora Hospital should engage with their Procurement teams.
To provide feedback
Send us an email: devices@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm 2 March 2023.
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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