Proposal relating to the funding of certain pharmaceuticals in DHB hospitals and in the community

As a related issue, we are also seeking feedback on changes to the funding of some pharmaceuticals in the community: de-listings and changes to subsidy criteria, as a flow-on effect of this proposal.

This consultation refers to the creation of the final six therapeutic groups within Section H:

• Blood and Blood-Forming Organs (haematology, intravenous fluids, vitamins and minerals)
• Extemporaneous Compounds (suspending agents, solvents and active ingredients in powder form)
• Oncology Agents and Immunosuppressants (oncology, haematology, transplant medicine)
• Special Foods (oral and enteral nutrition)
• Vaccines
• Various (antidotes, diagnostic agents, surgical preparations)

While these headings primarily relate to pharmaceuticals that are used for the purposes indicated above, this is not always the case. As such, while we have distributed this proposal widely, if you consider that there are organisations or individuals that should be made aware of this document, please refer them to this consultation, or let us know.

Feedback sought

PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Thursday, 28 March 2013 to:

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.

We are not able to treat any part of your feedback as confidential unless you specifically request that we do. 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 withheld.

If you have any questions about certain products, or would like to arrange a meeting or teleconference to discuss this proposal further, please contact either Sean Dougherty, or:

For the Blood and Blood-Forming Organs and Oncology Agents and Immunosuppressants therapeutic groups:

For the Extemporaneous Compounds and Vaccines therapeutic groups:

For the Special Foods and Various therapeutic groups:

All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by PHARMAC’s Board (or Chief Executive acting under delegated authority) prior to making a decision on this proposal.

We are interested in all feedback relevant to this proposal. However, we are particularly interested in DHB hospitals identifying significant clinical, financial or workflow issues that may arise from parts of this proposal.

Other consultations

This document contains the fourth and final section of products that are proposed as inclusions and exclusions from Section H.