RPS releases general election manifesto: Key asks revealed

It urges the next government to review prescription charges in England and strengthen the UK’s medicines supply chain 

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), professional membership body for pharmacists and pharmacy, has published its manifesto for the general election, highlighting key issues facing the next government after the election on July 4.

Local candidates are urged to recognise and support the vital role pharmacists play in supporting people’s health.

The RPS teams are gearing up to influence government policy in various crucial areas. Their key asks include:

• Ensuring Secure Patient Access to Medicines
• Supporting a Better-Connected NHS
• Enhancing Accessible Prescribing in Local Communities
• Maximizing Health Improvement through Locally Accessible Pharmacy Teams
• Supporting the Workforce to Deliver Patient Care
• Unlocking the Potential of New Advances in Medicines
• Supporting the UK’s Global Position in Science and Research

Acknowledging the efforts of pharmacists and their teams, Professor Claire Anderson, President of the RPS, noted that they are “working incredibly hard to maintain patient access to care amid workforce challenges, medicines shortages and financial pressures.”

"But there are also opportunities," Professor Anderson said, referring to the growing number of pharmacist prescribers, the expansion of clinical trials, the delivery of care closer to home, and new advances in medicines.

“The future of our health service is a key election issue, and I would urge members to engage with local candidates, so pharmacy continues to be part of the debate,” she added.

Pharmacy teams and supporters are encouraged to engage with their MPs and local Prospective Parliamentary Candidates to show their support for pharmacy.

Th RPS is also urging candidates to show their support on social media by sharing graphics from the manifesto webpage alongside the #VotePharmacy.