2 February 2017 - PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list further ranges of orthopaedic implants and associated products supplied by Smith & Nephew in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 March 2017.

In summary, this proposal, subject to consultation and approval, would result in:

• Schedule listings for around 4200 additional orthopaedic joint implants and associated products, which are already supplied to DHB hospitals, being supplied by Smith & Nephew under the terms and conditions of their current trauma agreement.
  
• The products being available for DHBs to purchase at the PHARMAC negotiated prices from 1 March 2017.
  
• DHBs continuing to be able to purchase other suppliers’ brands of orthopaedic implants and associated products, as the agreement would not be a sole supply agreement.
  
• Smith & Nephew continuing to provide educational services that will be tailored to suit the needs of individual DHB Hospitals in formats and times as required by DHB hospitals.
  
• A total national DHB saving of approximately $550,000 per annum, with the opportunity for DHBs to access further savings based on a commitment level.
  

Read PHARMAC Consultation