Proposal to list obstetrics and gynaecology products supplied by Defries Industries NZ Limited

Hospital devices Consultation Closed

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range of obstetrics and gynaecology products through a provisional amendment to the Agreement with Defries Industries NZ Limited.

What we’re proposing

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range of obstetrics and gynaecology Products in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 July 2019 through a provisional amendment to the Agreement with Defries Industries NZ Limited (“Defries”).

Consultation closes at 4pm on Monday 29 April 2019 and feedback can be emailed to grace.kingston@pharmac.govt.nz.

What would the effect be?


For DHBs

From 1 July 2019, Defries’ range of obstetrics and gynaecology products would fall under the national agreement (“Agreement”) that all DHBs may purchase under. The Agreement provides national consistency for these devices as the terms and conditions, including price, stated in the Agreement apply to all DHB purchases from the date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

The Agreement would not be for sole supply, with DHBs continuing to be able to purchase other suppliers’ brands of surgical suction and drainage products.

This Amendment would supersede any existing DHB contract with the supplier for the devices listed in the Schedule 1 of the Agreement.  Any device listed in a 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.

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

  • DHB Staff
    • Theatre staff
    • Obstetricians, gynaecologists and surgeons
    • Surgical, gynaecology and general ward staff
    • Delivery suite staff
    • Midwives
    • Procurement Officers
  • Suppliers and Wholesalers

About obstetric and gynaecology products

This category includes all equipment and consumables used in the obstetric 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 October 2018 PHARMAC issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for obstetric and gynaecological 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 second proposal to arise from that process. We intend to consult on proposed agreements with other suppliers over the next few months.

Details about our proposal

PHARMAC has entered into a provisional Agreement with Defries for the supply of a range of obstetrics and gynaecology products. The product ranges in this proposal have been included in this consultation.

We are making the full list with pricing details available to Procurement Departments at DHBs.

To provide feedback

Send us an email: grace.kingston@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm, Monday 29 April 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.