Decision relating to Nicotine Replacement Therapy RFP
PHARMAC has decided to not accept any proposal in response to, and to terminate the process for, the Request for Proposals – Supply of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) dated 9 November 2016.
The terminology used in the RFP in relation to the request for “sample” packs created clear misunderstanding, with one or more suppliers believing that a level of tracking and follow-up would be required by the supplier for product sampling.
This was not the intention and PHARMAC’s requirement for a small pack size was to allow patients to trial the different types and flavours (where relevant) of NRT treatments without needing to take home a bulk pack of each.
PHARMAC intends to re-issue another RFP describing the requirements for a small pack size more clearly. This may lead to a listing proposal which would be subject to consultation and Board approval (or approval by the Board’s delegate acting under delegated authority).
In summary, the effect of the decision is that:
- The RFP for supply of NRT dated 9 November 2016 is terminated and no proposals will be progressed.
- GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare New Zealand Limited’s range of NRT under the Habitrol brand will remain listed in Section B and H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule until at least 30 June 2017.
- PHARMAC intends to re-issue a further RFP in due course.
We would like to thank the suppliers who took the time to submit proposals.
More information
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.