Proposal to list a range of Sterile Packaging products supplied by Protec Solutions Limited
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range of sterile packaging products supplied by Protec Solutions Limited (“Protec”) in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 May 2016. The proposal is subject to approval by the PHARMAC Board or its delegate following this consultation.
In summary, this proposal would result in 55 sterile packaging products being made available to DHBs, some of which are already supplied to DHB Hospitals, together with a new range of pouches and reels. These products would be supplied under a proposed national agreement with Protec, that all DHBs may purchase under. This agreement is not a sole supply agreement, and DHBs may continue to purchase other suppliers’ brands of sterile packaging products.
PHARMAC estimates that the proposal would be cost neutral to DHBs, based on current usage. However potential savings may be realized by individual DHBs if they choose to take up the new range of products offered.
Pricing for sterile packaging products in the agreement, subject to any prior termination of the agreement, would not be increased before 1 May 2019.
The PHARMAC Agreement would supersede any existing DHB contracts with Protec for the devices listed in Schedule One of the Agreement. This would mean a device purchased by a DHB that is listed in the Agreement would have to be purchased at the Price as stated in the Agreement, effective from the date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. Sterile Packaging devices not listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule may still be purchased by DHBs, and DHBs would be under no obligation to purchase devices from Protec.
PHARMAC is seeking agreements with approximately 10 suppliers for Sterile Wrap, Pouches, and Sterilisation Indicators. Subject to negotiations we expect to consult on the other potential agreements over the next few months.
Feedback sought
PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Wednesday 23 March 2016 to:
Jacquie Pillay
Devices Category Manager
PHARMAC
PO Box 10254
Wellington 6143
Email: jacquie.pillay@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 decisions on these proposals.
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
PHARMAC has entered into a provisional agreement with Protec for a range of sterile packaging products. The exact product range and pricing in this proposal has not been included in this consultation for brevity, however we are making it available to Procurement Departments at DHBs. Brand ranges include:
- Boloplast
- Verasoft
If the agreement is approved by PHARMAC’s Board or its delegate, Protec’s range of sterile packaging products would be listed in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule, which contains products with national agreements that DHBs are able to purchase under.
The agreement includes terms for education services to be provided by Protec to DHB personnel on appropriate use of its sterile packaging products, which is to be provided at times as agreed with individual DHBs.