Proposal for changes to funded male latex condoms - UPDATED DATES

What we’re proposing

We are proposing to increase the range of funded male latex condoms from 1 October 2019 and change the funded brands following a transition period. There would be a wider range of funded male latex condoms available, including flavoured condoms in a range of sizes and thin and coloured condoms becoming funded for the first time.

Please note amended dates in strikethrough and bold.

This proposal results from a competitive process for the supply of funded condoms. In summary, the following changes are proposed for male latex condoms:

49 mm nominal width

• The Moments brand of 0.07 mm thickness condoms would be funded from 1 October 2019 and would become the sole subsidised brand from 1 February March 2020.

53 mm nominal width

• The Moments brand of 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm thickness condoms would be funded from 1 October 2019 and would become the sole subsidised brand from 1 February March 2020.
• Thin (0.05 mm thickness) condoms would be funded for the first time.
• The 0.07 mm thickness condoms would be available unflavoured and flavoured; the flavoured condoms would also be coloured.

56 mm nominal width

• The Moments brand of 0.06 mm and 0.08 mm thickness condoms would be funded from 1 October 2019 and would become the sole subsidised brand of these thicknesses from 1 February March 2020.
• 0.08 mm thickness condoms (coloured red) would be funded for the first time.
• The Gold Knight brand of thin 0.05 mm (unflavoured) and 0.07 mm (flavoured) condoms would be funded from 1 October 2019 and would become the sole subsidised brand of these thicknesses from 1 February March 2020.

58 mm nominal width

• Arrangements for the supply of >58mm nominal width condoms through the competitive process have not been finalised. Proposed arrangements for the supply of >58mm nominal width condoms will be addressed in a future consultation.

The Moments brand is supplied by Coral Healthcare and the Gold Knight brand is supplied by Jackson Allison. Further detail of the proposed supply arrangements is provided below.

In addition to the above changes, we are proposing a reduction in the maximum number of funded condoms allowed to be prescribed and available via a Practitioner’s Supply Order (PSO) from 144 to 60 condoms for some nominal widths. This is intended to reduce funded condom wastage. Further detail is provided in the ‘What would the effect be’ and ‘Details about our proposal’ section.

Consultation closes at 4pm on Wednesday, 3 July 2019 and feedback can be emailed to Josh Wiles, Procurement Manager.  Email: josh.wiles@pharmac.govt.nz.

Who we think will be interested

• People who access funded condoms
• The New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Family Planning clinics and other organisations that access and distribute funded condoms
• Clinicians and community pharmacists who prescribe and dispense funded condoms
• Suppliers and wholesalers of condoms

About condoms

Condoms are an effective barrier method for reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are also used as a contraceptive. Approximately 8,000,000 funded condoms are dispensed annually in the community.

Why we’re proposing this

PHARMAC released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the supply of condoms and water-based lubricant on 16 May 2018.

As a result of the RFP and our analysis of the proposals received, PHARMAC has entered into provisional agreements with the following suppliers:

• Coral Healthcare for the sole subsidised supply of the Moments brand of 49 mm nominal width, 53 mm nominal width and 56 mm nominal width (0.06 mm and 0.08 mm thicknesses) male latex condoms.
• Jackson Allison for the sole subsidised supply of the Gold Knight brand of 56 mm nominal width, 0.05 mm thickness and 0.07 mm flavoured condoms.

These agreements would enable access to a wider range of funded male latex condoms than is currently available, including pack sizes suitable for use by individuals and organisations that distribute condoms.

Further detail of the condoms to be supplied as a result of these agreements is provided below.

PHARMAC would like to thank suppliers and key stakeholders who submitted proposals and who provided invaluable advice on these products.

What would the effect be?

For individuals and organisations accessing funded male latex condoms

• For the 49 mm nominal width condoms: the Moments brand would become the only funded brand from  1 February March 2020, meaning that all individuals and organisations accessing the currently funded Shield 49 brand would need to change brands during a transition period commencing on 1 October 2019.
• For the 53 mm nominal width condoms: the Moments brand would become the only funded brand from 1 February March 2020, meaning that all individuals and organisations accessing the currently funded Gold Knight or Shield Blue brands would need to change brands during a transition period commencing on 1 October 2019.
• For the 56 mm nominal width condoms: the Moments brand of 0.06mm and 0.08mm thicknesses, and the Gold Knight brand of 0.05 mm thickness and 0.07mm thickness flavoured condoms would become the only funded brands from 1 February March 2020. This means that all individuals and organisations accessing the currently funded Gold Knight (0.065mm thickness, unflavoured), Durex Extra Safe and Durex Confidence brands would need to change brands during a transition period commencing on 1 October 2019.
• Prescribers, pharmacists, wholesalers and individuals and organisations accessing funded condoms would be supported with information and implementation activities to manage any change.

For prescribers

• Prescribers would continue to be able to prescribe funded male latex condoms. To reduce wastage where dispensing packs are offered as detailed in the ‘Details about our proposal’ section the maximum number of funded condoms allowed per prescription would be reduced from 144 to 60 condoms.

• Funded male latex condoms would remain available via Practitioner’s Supply Order (PSO) however, as above where dispensing packs are offered the maximum quantity allowed per PSO would be reduced from 144 to 60 condoms.

• The following new presentations would be funded from 1 October 2019 as a result of this RFP:
  • 53mm nominal width
    • 0.05mm thickness condoms.
    • Flavoured/coloured condoms.
  • 56mm nominal width
    • 0.05mm thickness condoms.
    • Flavoured condoms.
    • 0.08mm thickness red coloured condoms.

• The new funded brands of 49 mm, 53 mm and 56 mm nominal width male latex condoms from 1 October 2019 would be as outlined below. These would become the only funded brands of these nominal widths from 1 February March 2020:

• • Moments
    • 49 mm nominal width 0.07 mm thickness
    • 53 mm nominal width 0.05 mm thickness
    • 53 mm nominal width 0.07 mm thickness unflavoured,
    • 53 mm nominal width 0.07 mm thickness flavoured/coloured (chocolate and strawberry)
    • 56 mm nominal width 0.06 mm thickness and 0.08 mm thickness (uncoloured and red).

• • Gold Knight
    • 56 mm nominal width 0.07 mm thickness flavoured (chocolate and strawberry).
    • 56 mm nominal width 0.05 mm thickness.

For community pharmacies and organisations accessing funded condoms

• Pharmacies would continue to dispense and claim for any brand of male latex condom listed in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule until 29 January February 2020.
• Organisations accessing funded condoms via direct distribution would continue to be able to access any brand of male latex condom listed in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule until 29 January February 2020.
• From 1 February March 2020, the Moments and Gold Knight brands would be the only funded brands of 49 mm, 53 mm and 56 mm nominal width male latex condoms listed in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule, as detailed below.

Details about our proposal

• From 1 October 2019, a five-month transition period would begin during which all individuals or organisations accessing funded 49 mm, 53 mm or 56 mm nominal width male latex condoms would need to start changing brands. During this period all listed brands of male latex condom would remain fully funded.
• On 1 February March 2020, the five-month transition period would end, and only the following brands of 49 mm, 53 mm and 56 mm nominal width male latex condoms would be funded (meaning that they would have sole subsidised supply status).

• The sole subsidised supply arrangements would be in place from 1 February March 2020 until 30 September 2022.
• To reduce condom wastage, we are proposing a reduction in the maximum number of funded condoms allowed to be prescribed and available via a Practitioner’s Supply Order (PSO) from 144 to 60 condoms for the 53mm and 56mm nominal widths. These arrangements would be in place from 1 October 2019.
• Organisations accessing funded condoms via direct distribution would continue to be able to access 144 unit packs for all nominal widths.
• Until future arrangements for the supply of a >58mm male latex condom are established, the Shield XL brand of 60 mm nominal width male latex condoms would continue to be funded.
• From 1 February March 2020 the following brands of male latex condoms would be delisted from Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule:

Male and female non-latex condoms and water-based lubricant

In addition to male latex condoms, the scope of the 16 May 2018 RFP also included male and female non-latex condoms, as well as water-based lubricant sachets. We are not proposing to progress funding of these products as a result of this RFP. PHARMAC acknowledges the health need that could be addressed by water-based lubricant sachets and male and female non-latex condoms. Potential future funding of these products will remain on our work programme.

To provide feedback

Send us an email: josh.wiles@pharmac.govt.nz by Wednesday 3 July 2019.

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.

Feedback we receive is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) and we will consider any request to have information withheld in accordance with our obligations under the OIA. Anyone providing feedback, whether on their own account or on behalf of an organisation, and whether in a personal or professional capacity, should be aware that the content of their feedback and their identity may need to be disclosed in response to an OIA request.

We are not able to treat any part of your feedback as confidential unless you specifically request that we do, and then only to the extent permissible under the OIA and other relevant laws and requirements. If you would like us to withhold any commercially sensitive, confidential proprietary, or personal information included in your submission, please clearly state this in your submission and identify the relevant sections of your submission that you would like it withheld. PHARMAC will give due consideration to any such request.