Hospital Medical Devices: building stronger relationships through the Healthcare Hui and MTANZ

Delivery of this work is increasing as we scale up activity in the programme, work to build a comprehensive list of medical devices in 2025 and pick up activity that has previously been managed elsewhere in the health and disability sector. 

Like all Pharmac’s work, this mahi requires strong relationships and successful engagement to bring value to New Zealanders. As we pass the milestone of $600m of annual spend under national contract, we reflect on our recent Medical Devices Healthcare Hui in late May and the MTANZ (Medical Technology Association of NZ) Conference in late June - a key relationship-building opportunity with suppliers. 

“It’s essential that Pharmac’s work in this space is informed by those who work with medical devices every day – whether as clinicians, suppliers, consumers, advocates, or other industry partners,” says Catherine Epps, Pharmac’s Director, Medical Devices. “We couldn’t have success in this programme without people bringing valuable perspectives and information to the Pharmac Devices teams. We’re looking forward to strengthening these critical relationships and support a better understanding of this programme.” 

“We’re pleased with how our Healthcare Hui went in late May – it was fantastic to talk with a range of organisations about our Devices work, and the steps we’ll be taking next in our journey to list all hospital medical devices in New Zealand,” says Epps. “At the Hui the group shared their perspectives and asked a range of questions that will continue to help shape the programme to better serve the needs of those who use hospital medical devices.

“We also really enjoyed attending the HealthTech Week conference in June,” says Epps. “MTANZ’s members supply many of the medical devices used in New Zealand healthcare facilities, and they are vital to building an effective management approach to hospital medical devices which serves New Zealanders now and well into the future.”