"From cotton swabs and bandages to hospital beds and advanced imaging equipment, we need to make sure that every dollar is delivering good value for patients," Health Minister Simeon Brown said. Photo: VOISIN
The government is touting an end to more than a decade of confusion over how New Zealand buys medical equipment and devices.
Under changes announced on Tuesday afternoon, all medical equipment will be divided into two categories, with Health NZ handling one set and Pharmac the other.
Pharmac will take the lead on more complex and therapeutic devices, such as surgical implants and anaesthetic machines.
Health NZ will handle devices that are less clinical but need to fit with facilities, like hospital beds and imaging machines.
Associate Health Minister David Seymour said the system had been paralysed for at least 13 years, with much debate over which agency was best suited for procurement.
"The industry has been exasperated by the uncertainty. Finally, everybody involved has clarity," Seymour said.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said Health NZ spent nearly $1.5 billion each year on medical devices.
"From cotton swabs and bandages to hospital beds and advanced imaging equipment, we need to make sure that every dollar is delivering good value for patients," Brown said.
Brown said the agencies would still work together as appropriate: "For example, if Health New Zealand is looking at new MRI machines, it can draw on Pharmac's independent evaluation expertise. Pharmac would provide a high-quality Health Technology Assessment to inform Health New Zealand's procurement process."
He said Health NZ could also use its ability to bulk-purchase and re-tender contracts to assist.
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