Proposal involving ferrous sulphate

In summary, this proposal would result in:

• The subsidy for ferrous sulphate (Ferrograd), in the 30 tablet pack size, being increased from $1.01 to $2.06 and the price being decreased from $4.26 to $2.06, from 1 February 2014, which would result in Ferrograd in the 30 tab pack being fully subsidised.
• The 150 tablet pack size of Ferrograd would be delisted from 31 July 2014.

Details of the proposal follow.

Feedback sought

PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Friday, 29 November 2013 to:

Adrienne Martin
Therapeutic Group Manager
PHARMAC
PO Box 10 254
Wellington 6143

Email: adrienne.martin@pharmac.govt.nz

Fax:     04 460 4995

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.

Details of the proposal

Ferrous sulphate (Ferrograd) would be listed in Section B, and in Part II of Section H, of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 February 2014 at the following price and subsidy (ex-manufacturer, excluding GST):

Background

Ferrous sulphate (Ferrograd) tablets have never been fully funded in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule. From 1 December 2005 PHARMAC has fully funded ferrous fumarate (65 mg elemental iron) without restriction. This cost neutral proposal would provide an alternative presentation of iron for supplementation of patients.