21 June 2016 - PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of an agreement with Smith and Nephew for the supply of orthopaedic trauma implants and associated products.

This was the subject of a consultation letter dated 29 April 2016.

In summary, the effect of the decision is that:

• A range of orthopaedic trauma implants will be listed in Section H, Part III, (‘Optional Pharmaceuticals’) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 July 2016
• DHB hospitals can purchase these items directly from Smith & Nephew
• There are estimated savings to DHBs that currently use these products of approximately $220,000 per annum nationally, based on current usage

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news/notification-2016-06-20-orthopaedic-trauma-implants/