27 February 2017 - PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of an amendment to the trauma agreement with Smith and Nephew Limited. 

This was the subject of a consultation letter dated 2 February 2017 which can be found on PHARMAC’s website.

In summary, the effect of the decision is that:

• Further ranges of orthopaedic joint implants, and associated products will be listed in Section H, Part III, (‘Optional Pharmaceuticals’) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 April 2017. This has been extended from the consulted date of 1 March due to issues with the schedule pricing that needed to be resolved.
  
• Currently listed trauma implants will have reduced pricing.
  
• DHB hospitals can purchase these items directly from Smith & Nephew
  
• For the DHBs that currently use these products the national agreement will deliver savings
  

Read PHARMAC notification