Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Foot Science International Ltd and Walrus NZ Ltd
Te Pātaka Whaioranga - 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 Foot Science International Limited (“Foot Science”) and Walrus New Zealand Limited (“Walrus”) in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 October 2023.
We propose to list medical devices supplied in the following category:
- Rehabilitation equipment, patient positioning products and supports (“rehabilitation products”)
Consultation closes at 4pm Thursday 24 August 2023 and feedback can be emailed to mikka.nocete@pharmac.govt.nz.
What would the effect be?
From 1 October 2023, rehabilitation products supplied by Foot Science and Walrus 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 could continue to purchase other suppliers’ brands of rehabilitation products.
The Agreement would supersede any existing Te Whatu Ora contracts with Foot Science and Walrus for the products included in the Agreement. Any medical devices listed in the Agreement and purchased by Te Whatu Ora hospitals 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 including but not limited to:
- Clinical engineers and maintenance services
- Geriatricians
- Neurologists and Neurosurgeons
- Nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Orthopaedic surgeons
- Orthotists
- Paediatricians
- Physiotherapists
- Procurement officers and supply chain personnel
- Podiatrists
- Rehabilitation physicians (including spinal units)
- Speech-language therapists
- Suppliers and wholesalers
About the medical devices
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
These products are set out in the rehabilitation products subcategories:
- Podiatry orthotics and specialised footwear
- Immobilisers, bracing and support 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 consists of the latest agreements to arise from this process.
Details about our proposal
The proposal would result in listing 268 medical devices on the Pharmaceutical Schedule as follows:
|
Supplier |
Brands |
Line items |
|---|---|---|
|
Foot Science |
|
214 |
|
Walrus |
|
54 |
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: mikka.nocete@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm 24 August 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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