Source: PHARMAC
Pharmac and Health New Zealand (Health NZ) are working towards a more streamlined and coordinated national approach to hospital medical device procurement.
The Government announced changes to the procurement of hospital medical devices(external link) in September last year. Pharmac and Health NZ are now jointly responsible for procuring medical devices, with Pharmac leading procurement for 27 categories of medical devices, and Health NZ leading 28.
Catherine Epps, Pharmac’s Director of Medical Devices, says a programme of work is underway that will deliver greater transparency, consistency and collaboration in medical device procurement across the health system.
“Our work will ensure the medical devices used in our public hospitals deliver better value and more consistent, fair access for people across the country. Strengthening our partnership with Health NZ and working closely with suppliers means we can make better‑informed decisions and deliver better outcomes.”
Pharmac has agreed a framework with Health NZ for delivering a range of Health Technology Assessments (HTA). We’re now working together to plan a broader programme, including formalising how commissioning and HTA processes will work.
“It’s encouraging to see the shared commitment to building a more aligned and coordinated approach. This will mean clearer roles, clearer decision points, and more consistent ways of working – giving the sector greater predictability and transparency,” says Epps.
Over the coming months, the programme will continue to transition to a new joint leadership approach for hospital medical devices and strengthen engagement across the sector.
“It’s an exciting time to be working in medical devices in New Zealand. I’m confident that the work we’re doing now is setting us up to make medical devices procurement work better for everyone involved.”
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