Contractors are being faced with increasingly complex procurement terms. Complicating matters and confusing employees, reading the small print is becoming imperative. The PSNC has alerted contractors to the fact that while supplier contract terms can appear attractive, they can result in losses for their establishment.
It is advisable that pharmacies carefully read all the terms of any new supply arrangements in order to better understand their impact. This is especially important when negotiating obtaining lines not listed in Part VIII of the Drug Tariff, unlicensed specials and ‘special obtains’.
Furthermore the PSNC reminds that where lines may be subject to procurement charges that can reclaimed as an out of pocket expense, this is only permitted if the item is not to be frequently supplied by the contractor; consolidating orders may be required, further information on which can be found in part II, clause 12 of the Drug Tariff.