Pharmaco (NZ) Ltd (Pharmaco) announced as sole supplier of blood glucose meters and strips in New Zealand

Pharmaco has been awarded the role of sole supplier of blood glucose testing meters and strips in New Zealand.  The announcement was made at a special press conference hosted by PHARMAC in Wellington today.

The New Zealand based healthcare company will distribute a range of three fully funded and one unfunded CareSens blood glucose meters to people living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, a wider range than any other single provider currently operating in New Zealand.  It will also supply the associated testing strips.

Pharmaco’s co-Chief Executive Officer, Chandra Selvadurai, says PHARMAC’s decision to move to a sole supply contract will provide choice for people with diabetes:

“As a well-established, locally owned and operated company, Pharmaco is delighted to have been awarded this role.  We are fully aware of the very important responsibility that comes with it to provide the best technology and support to people with diabetes who rely daily on these products to manage their health.

“We will achieve this through a partnership with an organisation called i-SENS, an award winning and internationally recognised biosensor and technology company.  The blood glucose meters produced by i-SENS are some of the best in the world and are at least equal to those currently available.

“It is well known that diabetes is a growing problem, which means more people need care but still at the highest possible standard and at an affordable price.  Pharmaco has 45 years of experience in providing products and services of the highest quality to the New Zealand healthcare sector and it is here where we will provide a difference.”      

Pharmaco has established a specialist business unit, Pharmaco Diabetes Solutions, to manage the programme.  It will supply four meters from the internationally acclaimed CareSens range:  CareSens N POP (fully funded), CareSens N (fully funded), CareSens II (fully funded) and the CareSens POP (unfunded) each providing different technology for differing needs.  All have been locally validated by the Christchurch Diabetes Service.

Pharmaco’s nationwide team will now start implementing a roll-out plan that has been developed in full consultation with PHARMAC.  This includes distributing the new products through DHB diabetes centres, medical centres, pharmacists, and Maori and Pacific Island health providers.  Each person will be able to choose a meter and strips to suit their needs.

Pharmaco’s team is made up of customer services representatives, pharmacists, and sales and service staff, all of whom will be dedicated to the CareSens products and available to assist the transition process.  A toll-free 24 hour customer service number has been set up and a dedicated CareSens website (www.caresens.co.nz) has been developed.

Mr Selvadurai continues:

“As a New Zealand company we are very aware of the impact of diabetes on the community of this country, not only for those people who live with diabetes but also their families and friends.  We have invested significantly to get to this stage with the belief that a sole supply arrangement brings with it more responsibility to provide the best for all.

The transition to the CareSens range of blood glucose meters and strips will commence with the range of products being listed on the pharmaceutical schedule by 1st September 2012.  By 1st December 2012, the CareSens range of meters will be the only ones funded in New Zealand with the sole supply agreement for CareSens blood glucose meters and strips commencing on 1st March 2013.  Between now and then a nationwide training programme for healthcare professionals will be underway.  This will include a comprehensive communications programme about the changes and the resources and support services available.