6 October 2017 - PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of agreements with Medtronic New Zealand Limited (“Medtronic”) and Lima Orthopaedics New Zealand Limited (“Lima”) for the supply of orthopaedic implants and associated products to DHB hospitals.

These agreements were the subject of consultations letters dated 18 August and 8 September 2017, respectively.

In summary, the effect of the decisions is that:

• 6520 orthopaedic implants and associated products will be listed in Section H, Part III (‘Optional Pharmaceuticals’) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule on 1 November 2017.
  
• The Medtronic agreement is cost neutral and the Lima agreement has a national cost increase of $14,000 per annum.
  
• DHBs would continue to be able to choose which medical devices they purchase, however would need to use these agreements should they choose Medtronic or Lima products listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
  

Read PHARMAC press release