Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Surgical & Medical Systems Limited
What we’re proposing
Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to enter into a medical devices listing agreement from 1 August 2025 with Surgical & Medical Systems Limited (“SMS Limited”).
The proposed agreement covers medical devices in the sterilisation and decontamination equipment and associated consumables category.
Consultation closes at 4pm, Wednesday 2 July 2025 and feedback can be emailed to Tyson.edwards@pharmac.govt.nz.
What would the effect be?
From 1 August 2025, sterilisation and decontamination equipment and associated consumables supplied by SMS Limited 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 sterilisation and decontamination equipment and associated consumable medical devices.
The Agreement would supersede any existing Health NZ contracts with SMS Limited 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
- Equipment validation service providers
- Health NZ staff including but not limited to:
- Biomedical engineers (potentially involved in the validation process/outsourced)
- Dental units
- Facilities and support services department
- General ward staff
- Infection prevention and control
- Occupational health and safety department
- Procurement and supply chain department
- Sterile services department
- Theatre staff
- Professional bodies
- New Zealand Nurses Organisation
- Sterile Services Associated NZ
- Suppliers and wholesalers
About these medical devices
Sterilisation and decontamination equipment and associated consumables are medical devices used in surgical and non-surgical procedures primarily to achieve the disinfection and sterilisation of equipment and reusable medical devices. The products vary relating to their purpose, function, application, and clinical indication.
Why we’re proposing this
In August 2021 Pharmac released a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for Sterilisation and decontamination equipment and associated consumables. 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 is the latest proposal to arise from this process.
Details about our proposal
Pharmac has entered into a provisional agreement with SMS Limited for the supply of sterilisation and decontamination equipment and associated consumables. The proposal covers 70 medical devices from the following brands:
- Atherton
- KEN
- Laoken
- UV Smart
- Nidsa
- GKE*
- Ecolab
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 2 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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