PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list rehabilitation equipment, patient positioning products and supports ('Rehabilitation Products') supplied by Allied Medical Limited ('Allied Medical') and Amtech Medical Limited ('Amtech') in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 April 2020.

Consultation closes at 4pm on Monday 17 February 2020 and feedback can be emailed to alyssa.currie@pharmac.govt.nz.

What would the effect be

From 1 April 2020 Rehabilitation Products, supplied by Allied Medical and Amtech, would be listed under proposed national agreements for all DHB hospitals to purchase under, subject to consultation and approval by PHARMAC's Board or delegate ('Agreements').

The Agreements would not be for sole supply and DHBs could continue to purchase other suppliers' brands of Rehabilitation Products.

The Agreements would supersede any existing DHB contracts with Allied Medical and Amtech for the products included in the Agreements. Any product listed in the Agreements and purchased by a DHB would be in accordance with the terms and conditions, including price, stated in the Agreements effective from the date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

As part of the Agreements Allied Medical and Amtech would provide appropriate educational services that would be tailored to the individual needs of DHBs, in formats and at times as required by DHBs.

Pricing for the products in the Agreements, subject to any prior termination of the Agreements, would not be increased without prior consultation and approval by PHARMAC.

About rehabilitation products

Rehabilitation is the process of regaining strength or relearning skills after serious injury, illness or surgery. Rehabilitation crosses all age groups, though the type, level and goals of rehabilitation will differ depending on the individual needs. Rehabilitation often focuses on: physical therapy to help with strength, mobility and fitness; occupational therapy to help with daily activities; speech-language therapy to help with speaking, understanding, reading, writing and swallowing; cognitive therapy (following head injury) and treatment of pain.

Why we're proposing this

In October 2018 PHARMAC issued a Request for Proposals ('RFP') for the supply of rehabilitation equipment, patient positioning products and supports.

The RFP was for non-exclusive national agreements for listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

PHARMAC has been working with suppliers who responded to the RFP, and proposals were progressed to contract negotiation, to seek provisional agreements. These proposals are the latest to arise from this process and we expect to consult on further provisional agreements with suppliers of Rehabilitation Products throughout 2020.

Contact:

Tel: 021 863 342

Email: media@pharmac.govt.nz

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