Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Universal Specialities Limited
What we’re proposing
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range of:
- medical thermometers;
- single use instruments; and
- medical devices used for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (“VTE Prevention”),
in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 August 2018, through a provisional agreement with Universal Specialities Limited (“USL”).
Consultation closes at 4pm on Friday, 22 June 2018 and feedback can be emailed to alyssa.currie@pharmac.govt.nz.
What would the effect be?
From 1 August 2018, USL’s range of medical thermometers, single use instruments and VTE Prevention products 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”).
This Agreement would not be for sole supply, with DHBs continuing to be able to purchase other suppliers’ brands of medical thermometers, single use instruments and VTE Prevention products.
This Agreement would supersede any existing DHB contracts with USL for the devices included in the Agreement. Any device 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 in the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
PHARMAC estimates the national financial impact of this Agreement, across all DHBs to be $11,000 based on current usage levels.
As part of the Agreement USL would provide educational services that would be tailored to the individual needs of DHBs, in formats and at times as required by DHBs.
Pricing for the devices in the 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
- Suppliers and Wholesalers
- DHB Staff
- Clinician staff
- Clinical engineers
- Procurement and supply chain personnel
About the medical devices
Medical thermometers
Medical thermometers are used to measure a patient’s body temperature. The ability to detect or monitor fever or hypothermia is vital in patient assessment, to guide treatment options and management. The accurate measurement of temperature is important and medical thermometer products come in a range of presentations for different clinical requirements.
Single use instruments
Single use instruments are designed to be used once and then disposed of or destroyed – these are also known as disposable instruments. Some single use instruments may be used in many hospital settings such as operating theatres, emergency departments, wards and clinics.
VTE Prevention products
The risk of events related to VTE, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), increase following prolonged confinement following surgery or illness. VTE Prevention products are used to reduce this risk, often in association with medicines, and include Graduated Compression Stockings, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression devices and Venous Foot Pump devices.
Why we’re proposing this
In 2016 PHARMAC issued Requests for Proposals (“RFPs”) for medical thermometers, single use instruments and VTE Prevention products. The RFPs were for non-exclusive national agreements for listing in the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
PHARMAC has been working with suppliers who responded to the RFPs to seek provisional agreements and this proposal is the latest to arise from these processes. We expect to consult on further proposed agreements with suppliers of medical devices and single use instruments over the next few months.
This is the final provisional agreement for VTE Prevention products.
Details about our proposal
PHARMAC has entered into a provisional Agreement with USL for a range of VTE Prevention products, medical thermometers and single use instruments.
Pricing has been made available to appropriate DHB personnel.
The proposal would result in Schedule listings for 34 medical thermometers, 36 single use instruments and 50 VTE Prevention products. Brands ranges in the Agreement include:
|
Medical thermometers |
Single use instruments |
VTE Prevention products |
|---|---|---|
|
CareTemp SureTemp SureTemp Plus ThermoScan Welch Allyn |
Jimmy Brothers Welch Allyn |
Ezy-As SIGVARIS StockEZEon |
To provide feedback
Send us an email: alyssa.currie@pharmac.govt.nz by 22 June 2018.
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.