Decision to list medical devices supplied by Universal Specialities Limited

Hospital devices Decision

We are pleased to announce the approval of a listing agreement for the supply of medical devices to DHBs.

What we’re doing

We are pleased to announce the approval of a listing agreement with Universal Specialities Limited (“USL”) for the supply of:

In summary this will result in:

  • USL’s beds and mattresses, and operating tables and accessories being listed in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 October 2021 under a national agreement that all DHB hospitals may purchase under; and
  • DHBs being able to continue to purchase other suppliers’ brands of beds and mattresses, and operating tables and accessories as the agreement is not for sole supply.

Who we think will be most interested

  • Suppliers and wholesalers
  • DHB staff
    • Clinical engineers, maintenance services and facilities staff
    • Clinical staff across all areas of hospitals
    • Clinical support staff
    • DHB Procurement and supply chain

Details about this decision

In coordination with Pharmac, NZ Health Partnerships (“NZHP”) has previously released RFPs for ranges of medical devices which Pharmac may list on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

NZHP released RFPs for beds and mattresses, and operating tables and accessories in December 2018 and August 2019 respectively. As a result of these processes NZHP entered into agreements with USL for the supply of beds and mattresses, and operating tables and accessories.

In September 2020, PHARMAC released an ROI as an opportunity for suppliers to have operating tables and accessories considered for listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

As USL had agreements in place with NZHP for beds and mattresses, and operating tables and accessories, the agreement between Pharmac and USL was based on those agreements. As there were no material changes to the terms and conditions that are currently in place, Pharmac decided that consultation on the provisional agreement was not required and Pharmac has decided to list beds and mattresses, and operating tables and accessories in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 October 2021.

The list of products will be available on Pharmac's website from 1 October 2021.

DHBs can continue to choose which beds and mattresses, and operating tables and accessories they purchase, including those from other suppliers. DHBs that purchase these products from USL must do so under the terms and conditions, including pricing, in the Pharmac agreement from 1 October 2021.

The agreement includes terms and conditions for training and education to be provided by USL on the appropriate use of its beds and mattresses, and operating tables and accessories, which is to be provided at times and in formats as agreed with individual DHBs.

If you have any questions about this decision, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz; or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50.