Proposal to list medical devices supplied by ConvaTec New Zealand Ltd

What we’re proposing

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range of respiratory products and consumables in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 November 2019 through a listing agreement with ConvaTec New Zealand Ltd (“ConvaTec”).

Consultation closes at 4pm on Wednesday, 11 September 2019 and feedback can be emailed to ruben.kunst-sopacua@pharmac.govt.nz.

What would the effect be?

From 1 November 2019 ConvaTec’s range of Respiratory Equipment and Consumables would be listed under the proposed national agreement for all DHBs to purchase under, subject to consultation and approval by PHARMAC’s Board or delegate (“Agreement”).

The Agreement would not be for sole supply, with DHBs continuing to be able to purchase other suppliers’ brands of Respiratory Equipment and Consumables.

The Agreement would supersede any existing DHB contracts with ConvaTec for the Respiratory Equipment and Consumables listed in the Agreement. Any Respiratory Equipment and Consumables listed in the 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.

Who we think will be interested

• Suppliers and wholesalers
• Clinical and non-clinical DHB staff:
  • Clinical/Biomedical Engineers
  • Anaesthetists and Anaesthetic Technicians
  • Clinical staff involved with airway management and emergency respiratory resuscitation
  • Respiratory Clinicians
  • Respiratory therapists
  • Pulmonary function specialists
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation specialists
  • Procurement and supply chain personnel

About respiratory equipment and consumables

Respiratory care is a health specialty involving the diagnosis, assessment, treatment and management of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system.

The respiratory equipment and consumables category includes oxygen delivery consumables and accessories, aerosol delivery devices and associated consumables, non-powered humidifiers (passive and bubble) and associated tubing and consumables, laryngectomy and tracheostomy consumables, spirometers and respiratory muscle trainers and associated consumables, breathing filters, powered and non-powered respiratory suction devices and associated consumables, ventilator circuits and associated consumables and flow meters.

Why we’re proposing this

In 2017 PHARMAC issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for:

• Supply of respiratory equipment and consumables

The RFPs were for non-exclusive national agreements for listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

PHARMAC has been working with suppliers to seek provisional agreements and this proposal is the latest to arise from this process. We expect to consult on further proposed agreements in this category over the coming months.

Details about our proposal

PHARMAC has entered into a provisional agreement with ConvaTec for a range of Respiratory Equipment and Consumables. Pricing has been made available to appropriate DHB personnel.

The proposal would result in Pharmaceutical Schedule listings for 48 Respiratory equipment and consumable products.

To provide feedback

Send us an email:  ruben.kunst-sopacua@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm on Wednesday, 11 September 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.