Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Medtronic 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 medical devices supplied by Medtronic New Zealand Limited (“Medtronic”) in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 August 2023 in the following categories:
- Surgical implants
- Medical and surgical instruments and power tools
- Medical imaging, software and associated products (“medical imaging”)
Consultation closes at 4pm Wednesday 28 June 2023 and feedback can be emailed to taylor.wilson@pharmac.govt.nz.
What would the effect be?
From 1 August 2023, Medtronic’s range of medical devices in the categories above would be listed under a 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, with Te Whatu Ora continuing to be able to purchase other suppliers’ brands of surgical implants,medical and surgical instruments and power tools or medical imaging devices.
The Agreement would supersede any existing Te Whatu Ora contracts with this supplier for the medical devices listed in Schedule 1 in the Agreement. Any device listed in the Pharmac Agreement and purchased by a Te Whatu Ora Hospital 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, Medtronic would provide appropriate training and education services that would be tailored to the needs of the individuals Te Whatu Ora Hospitals, in formats and at times as required by Te Whatu Ora Hospitals.
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 Hospital staff including but not limited to:
- ICU, emergency, and critical care staff
- Neurologists and Neurosurgeons
- Nurses
- Ophthalmologists
- Perioperative staff
- Radiologists
- Sterile services personnel
- Surgeons
- Surgical and general ward staff
- Clinical engineers and maintenance services
- Procurement and supply chain
- Suppliers and wholesalers
About the medical devices
Surgical implants, medical and surgical instruments and power tools
Surgical implants are devices that are placed in or on the body. These devices support a range of functions, such as replacing damaged tissue, supporting existing tissue or enhancing existing bodily functions. Surgical implants as a group encompass a range of products, including reconstructive implants, surgical stents, orthopaedic soft tissue fixation, surgical mesh, ocular implants, aural implants and implantable neurostimulators.
Surgical and medical instruments and power tool products are used in a vast range of surgical and medical specialities and procedures. Some are more generally used within clinical practice and others have highly specific applications. Some require power sources or other equipment to perform their function.
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
The RFPs were 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 RFPs and we expect to consult on further provisional agreements with suppliers in these categories throughout 2023.
Details about our proposal
The proposal would result in 1823 medical devices being listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule covering the following brands:
- AbsorbaTack
- Ares
- Becker
- CRW
- CSF Flow Control
- Delta
- Dextile
- Duet
- Durepair
- Endo Universal
- Exacta
- Extra View
- FHC Inc.
- Interstim
- Leadpoint
- Medtronic
- Midas Rex
- MultiFire Endo Hernia
- MultiFire VersaTack
- O-arm Surgical Imaging System
- Parietene
- Parietex
- PDB
- Percept
- Permacol
- Premium Surgiclip
- ProGrip
- ProTack
- PS Medical
- ReliaTack
- Samsung
- Sensight
- Spacemaker
- Stat Tack
- Strata
- Structural Balloon Trocar 10mm
- Symbotex
- TiMesh
- Veriset
- Versatex
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 hospital should engage with their procurement teams.
To provide feedback
Send us an email: taylor.wilson@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm Wednesday 28 June 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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