The future of managing hospital medical devices
The Government has clarified responsibilities for the procurement of medical devices to create efficiencies and avoid duplication.
On this page
Update June 2026
Pharmac and Health NZ have refined the categories of medical device each agency is leading.
New approach announced September 2025
Health NZ and Pharmac are responsible for the procurement of medical devices that are most focused on their particular capabilities and expertise.
Pharmac leads procurement for categories that primarily have a direct therapeutic impact on patients e.g. orthopaedic implants.
Health NZ is generally the lead agency for devices that are less therapeutically intensive and require integration with infrastructure, for example, beds, imaging and diagnostics.
Health NZ manages the overall medical devices budget.
Pharmac also focuses on delivering high-quality, independent Health Technology Assessments to support access to new and innovative devices.
Why this change was made
It makes sense for Pharmac and Health NZ to be able to procure medical devices that are most focused on their particular capabilities and expertise. A clear split between the agencies will provide the transparency and certainty that suppliers have been asking for.
What medical devices is Pharmac responsible for?
Pharmac is generally the lead agency for devices that have a direct therapeutic impact on patients and that need a high level of clinical input. For instance, this includes orthopaedic implants.
What medical devices is Health NZ responsible for?
Health NZ is generally the lead agency for devices that are less therapeutically intensive and require integration with infrastructure, for example, beds, imaging and diagnostics.
How Health Technology Assessments fit into this approach
Pharmac will deliver independent Health Technology Assessment advice to Health NZ.
Pharmac independently evaluates the clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness for a range of medical devices, particularly where these are highly technical. Pharmac assessments bring together clinical effectiveness, patient voice, cost utility, budget impact, implementation, commercial considerations and equity impacts.
This involves analysis and comparison of different technologies to inform Health NZ’s adoption of new devices and technologies and will eventually ensure that the most effective and efficient options are selected for use.
I have an existing contract with Pharmac, but my category is moving to Health NZ. What do I do?
The transition of contracts is well underway. We contacted suppliers in March if they had a transferring agreement. If you were contacted, and have yet to receive a transfer agreement, you should receive one soon.
Once contracts have transferred to Health NZ, business-as-usual contract management will be undertaken by Health NZ.
Both agencies have dedicated email addresses for medical devices enquiries. If you have any questions, please use the contact details below:
Pharmac: devices@pharmac.govt.nz
Health NZ: procurement-ssrm@tewhatuora.govt.nz
What happens if I’m currently in a procurement process?
We understand that suppliers and stakeholders will have questions about how this change may affect current and future contracts. At this stage, any current agreements with Pharmac remain in effect and we encourage you to continue with business as usual.
We are working closely with Health NZ to understand the implications for individual agreements and procurement processes. We will be in touch with further information as soon as we are able.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific circumstances, email devices@pharmac.govt.nz or your contract manager.