Source: PHARMAC
Media release Hospital devices
New Zealand’s first ever nationwide list of medical devices, effective from today, will support better patient care and enable long term investments in medical devices, Pharmac’s Director Medical Devices Catherine Epps says.
Pharmac has been building a list of all medical devices currently used in public hospitals as it works to improve the way medical devices are managed in New Zealand.
Medical Devices help people get the best health care possible. They are things like bandages, gloves, hospital beds, pacemakers, hip implants, and even advanced equipment like MRI and X-ray machines.
“Medical Devices are so important to the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders. Nearly everyone who receives health care in New Zealand will interact with a medical device,” says Epps.
Pharmac’s Comprehensive List of Medical Devices, effective from 1 July, brings greater transparency to what’s used and funded in public hospitals. This will support consistent access, reduce duplication, and improve equity across the country.
This list represents medical devices covered by Pharmac’s contracts with suppliers, and medical devices used by hospitals that aren’t covered by Pharmac contracts.
“For the first time in New Zealand’s history, we have a nationwide list of medical devices used by public hospitals,” Epps says.
Epps says having a comprehensive list of medical devices will support better patient care.
“When hospitals have the right medical devices at the right time they can deliver better health care, which can result in shorter stays in hospital and better health outcomes for patients,” Epps says.
This list will also support hospitals to better plan and invest to meet the needs of the communities they serve. It will also improve transparency by showing what devices are used or funded in public hospitals.
“Having a complete list of what is used will allow the health system to make more strategic, long-term investments in medical devices.”
Pharmac consulted on the comprehensive list from 11 February, until 31 March 2025.
“We asked suppliers and public hospitals to help us finalise a national list of medical devices currently used by Health New Zealand hospitals,” Epps says.
Pharmac staff carefully reviewed all feedback received during the consultation process.
As a result of this consultation process, over 26,000 medical devices used in public hospitals have been added to the comprehensive list.
“This represents a historic milestone for the management of medical devices in New Zealand,” Epps says.
“Ultimately, this comprehensive list lays the foundation for a single national list from which public hospitals will select their medical devices, ensuring the best possible health outcomes for New Zealanders.”
