Source: Pharmac
What we’re proposing
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list medical devices supplied by Merit Medical New Zealand Limited (“Merit”) in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 December 2020.
We propose to list medical devices supplied by Merit in the following category:
Consultation closes at 4pm Friday 23 October 2020 and feedback can be emailed to ruben.kunst-sopacua@pharmac.govt.nz.
What would the effect be?
From 1 December 2020, Merit’s ranges of medical devices in the category listed above would be listed under a 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 surgical drapes, gowns and procedure packs.
The Agreement would supersede any existing DHB contracts with Merit for the medical devices included in the Agreement. Any device listed in the 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.
As part of the Agreement, Merit would provide appropriate training and education services that would be tailored to the needs of the individuals DHBs, in formats and at times as required by DHBs.
Pricing for the medical 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 clinical staff in a range of clinical settings including:
- inpatient, outpatient and community settings;
- general wards;
- perioperative;
- infection control;
- central sterile services personnel;
- occupational health and safety.
- DHB procurement and supply chain personnel
About surgical drapes, gowns and procedure packs
Single use sterile surgical drapes are used during surgery to reduce the risk of infection of the surgical site by isolating and protecting the surgical site from exposure to microorganisms that may be present in the patient’s own microbial flora, the operating theatre environment, or on members of the surgical team.
Single use sterile surgical gowns are personal protective garments intended to be worn over the scrub suit of the operating team during surgical procedures.
Procedure packs are customisable and made specifically to the DHB’s clinician’s needs. They include a variety of disposable items.
Why we’re proposing this
The RFP was for non-exclusive national agreements for listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
PHARMAC is working with a range of suppliers to seek provisional agreements in this category, this proposal is the latest to arise from these processes.
We expect to consult on further proposed agreements in the surgical drapes, gowns and procedure packs category over the coming months.
Details about our proposal
The proposal would result in Pharmaceutical Schedule listings for 54 surgical drapes and gowns supplied by Merit. The proposed surgical drapes, gowns and procedure packs are from the Merit brand.
A full product list with pricing has been made available to appropriate DHB personnel.
To provide feedback
Send us an email: ruben.kunst-sopacua@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm Friday 23 October 2020.
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.
Last updated: 9 October 2020
