Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited
What we’re proposing
Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to enter into a medical devices listing agreement from 1 September 2025 with Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited (“Abbott Laboratories”).
The proposed agreement covers medical devices in the following categories:
- Feeding equipment and associated devices
- Non-dedicated feeding devices
Consultation closes at 4pm, Wednesday 16 July 2025 and feedback can be emailed to Tyson.edwards@pharmac.govt.nz.
What would the effect be?
From 1 September 2025, feeding equipment and associated devices and non-dedicated feeding devices (“Feeding Devices”) supplied by Abbott Laboratories would be listed under a proposed national agreement for all Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (“Health NZ”) hospitals to purchase under, subject to consultation and approval by Pharmac’s Board or delegate (“Agreement”).
The Agreement would not be for sole supply and Health NZ hospitals could continue to purchase other suppliers’ brands of Feeding Devices.
The Agreement would supersede any existing Health NZ contracts with Abbott Laboratories for the products included in the Agreement. Any medical devices listed in the Agreement and purchased by Health NZ hospitals would be in accordance with the terms and conditions, including price, stated in the Agreement effective from the date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
Pricing for the medical devices in the Agreement, subject to any prior termination of the Agreement, would not be increased without prior consultation and approval by Pharmac.
Who we think will be interested
- Health NZ staff including:
- Clinical engineers and maintenance services
- Dietitians
- Gastroenterologists
- Geriatricians
- ICU, emergency, and critical care staff
- Nurses (both inpatient and community based)
- Paediatricians
- Procurement Officers and supply chain personnel
- Surgeons
- Suppliers and Wholesalers
About Feeding Devices
Feeding Devices are medical devices used to deliver nutrition and hydration into the body through the gastrointestinal tract. Providing nutrition to patients who cannot consume adequate food and/or fluids orally is important to optimise healing, reduce recovery times, and lower complication rates. Feeding Devices are used by patients with a wide variety of clinical conditions and across both acute and community-based settings.
Why we’re proposing this
In 2018 Pharmac issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for the supply of feeding devices and/or special foods delivered enterally or orally.
The RFP was for non-exclusive national agreements for listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
Pharmac has been working with suppliers who responded to the RFP, and were successful in being progressed to contract negotiation, to seek provisional agreements. This proposal is the final proposal to arise from this RFP process.
Details about our proposal
Pharmac has entered into a provisional agreement with Abbott Laboratories for the supply of Feeding Devices. The proposal covers eight medical devices from the FreeGo and FlexiFlo brands.
Further information, including pricing and contractual details, has been provided to Health NZ procurement personnel. Clinicians interested in further detail on what this proposal means for their hospital should engage with the Health NZ procurement team.
To provide feedback
Send us an email: Tyson.edwards@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm, Wednesday 16 July 2025.
All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by Pharmac’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.
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