Wound care products RFP – update on progress

We are pleased with the quality and number of proposals we received in response to this RFP.  We have completed the evaluation stage and we are now commencing negotiations with suppliers on a number of wound care subcategories included in the RFP.

Proposals being progressed to negotiations

Following consideration of the proposals received, PHARMAC is seeking agreements for the following wound care subcategories:

• Combine dressings (includes Gamgee dressings)
• Foam dressings – adhesive and non-adhesive (excludes anti-microbial foam dressings and shaped foam dressings)
• IV pressure pads
• Low adherent dressings with adhesive border

Any market share agreements resulting from negotiations would be subject to public consultation and final approval by the PHARMAC Board.  We aim to start consulting on provisional agreements in late May 2016.  As part of this public consultation, PHARMAC will seek feedback on any proposed changes, transition timeframes and the level of support DHBs might need to manage any transition.

Subject to consultation and final approval, we aim to implement market share agreements before the end of the year. 

Proposals not being progressed any further

PHARMAC will not be awarding any market share agreements for the following wound care subcategories included in the RFP:

• Compression bandages (includes compression bandage kits)
• Laparotomy sponges (sterile and non-sterile)
• Securement bandages (sterile and non-sterile)
• Foam shaped dressings

The feedback that DHBs and DHB staff have given us previously was to be mindful of the cost of change to DHBs when making decisions and the clinical impact of any change decision. We have decided not to progress to negotiations for these wound care subcategories as we consider the value offered in these subcategories did not clearly exceed the potential cost of implementation. While the RFP process is now completed for these products, PHARMAC may revisit market share options for these products at a later stage.

For products in these subcategories for which there is currently a national agreement with PHARMAC, that agreement will continue. DHBs can continue to choose which products to purchase in these subcategories. Where there is a PHARMAC agreement for the DHB selected products, DHBs must purchase those items via the PHARMAC agreement.

Further questions and information

If you have any questions about this decision, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50.