Proposal to list medical devices by Pharmaco (NZ) Limited

Consultation closes at 4pm Monday 30 March 2020 and feedback can be emailed to terry.odonnell@pharmac.govt.nz

What would the effect be?

From 1 May 2020, Pharmaco’s range of obstetrics and gynaecology devices would be listed under the proposed national agreement (“Agreement”) that all DHBs may purchase under, subject to consultation and approval by PHARMAC’s Board or delegate.

The Agreement would not be sole supply, with DHBs continuing to be able to purchase other suppliers’ brands of obstetrics and gynaecology devices.

The Agreement would supersede any existing DHB contract with the supplier for the devices listed in the Agreement. Any device listed in the PHARMAC Agreement and purchased by a DHB would be at the price, terms and conditions stated in the Agreement, effective from the date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

Pharmaco would provide appropriate training and education services that would be tailored to the individual needs of the DHBs, in formats and at times as required by the DHBs.

Pricing for the devices in this Agreement, subject to any prior termination of the Agreement, would not be increased without prior consultation and approval by PHARMAC.

Who we think will be interested

• DHB staff:
  • Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
  • Clinical/Biomedical Engineers
  • Sterile services staff
  • Outpatient clinic staff
  • Surgeons
  • Theatre and perioperative staff
  • Surgical, speciality units, gynaecology and general ward staff
  • Delivery suite staff
  • Midwives
  • Procurement Officers
  • Point of care device coordinators
  • Laboratory Managers
  • Medical Scientists
• Suppliers and Wholesalers

About obstetrics and gynaecology products

This category includes all equipment and consumables used in the obstetrics and gynaecology specialities. Products used in delivery suites and by midwives on the wards are included. Gynaecology is the specialty that treats conditions related to female reproductive organs. A small number of devices related to fertility and sterility may be listed as some limited assisted reproduction services are provided by a small number of DHB Hospitals. However, most funded services are provided by private clinics are therefore out of scope for PHARMAC. 

Why we’re proposing this

In 2018 PHARMAC issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for obstetrics and gynaecology products

The RFP was for non-exclusive national agreements for listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

PHARMAC has been working with suppliers in order to seek provisional agreements and this is the latest proposal to arise from this process. We intend to consult on further agreements with other suppliers over the next few months.

Details about our proposal

PHARMAC has entered into a provisional Agreement with Pharmaco for the supply of ten obstetrics and gynaecology devices from the Rapid fFN and Quickcheck fFN brand ranges. Pricing for these devices has been made available to appropriate DHB personnel.

To provide feedback

Send us an email: terry.odonnell@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm Monday 30 March 2020.

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.