Supply issue victory for Information Services: Neo-Safe T380

We have recently been notified that a supply issue, raised by Information Services on behalf of a Numark member, has been resolved with the help of PSNC.

Information Services regularly receive calls from members who have difficulty obtaining appliances without incurring additional charges.

The issue revolves around Part IXA of the Drug Tariff, where, if an appliance is listed the pharmacy cannot claim for out of pocket expenses. This is because in order to be listed in Part IXA, the product should be ‘readily available' and, therefore, the DoH expects there to be no additional charges to obtain it.

Unfortunately, as many of you will be aware, there are several appliances in Part IXA that can only be obtained directly from the manufacturer or as a ‘special obtain' from a wholesaler.

Both of these supply routes incur additional fees such as delivery charges which cannot be claimed back, leaving the pharmacy out of pocket.

This leaves independent pharmacists with a dilemma; maintain customer and GP loyalty and lose out financially, or decline dispense the prescription (permitted for appliances, but not for drugs).

One such instance is with the Intrauterine Contraceptive Device, Neo-Safe T380, an alternative to the Nova-T380. Despite being listed in Part IXA this product was only obtainable as a ‘special obtain' from wholesalers or from the manufacturer with a delivery charge.

Information Services raised this issue with PSNC who in turn contacted the manufacturer and wholesalers to explain their obligations for listed products. All parties have now agreed to supply and stock this item as a standard line for a 90 day trial period as of 1st February, meaning it can now be obtained without incurring out of pocket expenses.

The PSNC can only make these interventions when they are made aware of a particular issue. They advise any pharmacist who encounters similar problems to contact PSNC so that they can investigate the matter further.