Pharmacy faces a new dawn – it’s time to act

By Mahendra G Patel

We stand at a defining moment for our profession. The opportunity to establish a Royal College of Pharmacy is here—let’s not squander it.

With my experience as an RPS board and assembly member for two full terms, including serving as treasurer, I have seen first-hand the dedication of our elected members. The RPS national board is composed of pharmacists elected by you—the voting members.

Professor Mahendra G Patelwww.pharmacy.biz

With nearly 30,000 RPS members, we have the potential to be a formidable force for progress. However, for this proposal to succeed, at least two-thirds of those who participate must vote in favour of this first and giant step toward becoming a Royal College of Pharmacy – a move that would give pharmacy the recognition, influence, and standing it rightfully deserves.

A Critical Moment—We Need a Strong Mandate

For this proposal to go forward, we need at least two-thirds of those who participate to vote in favour. But this isn’t just about getting it over the line—it’s about getting it over the line emphatically.

A decisive and overwhelming vote in favour will do more than just secure the Royal College status; it will inspire confidence and bring real momentum to our professions across all nations and sectors of practice. This is our opportunity to send a powerful message—that pharmacy is ready to step up, take its place alongside other Royal Colleges, and lead with authority and a united voice.

RPS Members Deserve Real Value

Pharmacists pay good money to be RPS members—this is the moment to ensure that investment delivers real value, recognition, and influence. Becoming a Royal College will bring the standing and professional weight that members expect and deserve. This isn’t just a symbolic change—it’s about tangible benefits for all pharmacy professionals and the future of our pharmacy professions.

A Direct Call to Action

• Board members—your leadership truly counts now. You worked hard to earn every vote, and now it’s time to turn those votes into action.
• Reaching out to those who voted for you is the minimum. Go beyond—engage with colleagues, networks, and every pharmacist you can influence to ensure they vote.
• Harness our collective strength. If each board member connects with their voters and secures their backing, we can deliver an unquestionable mandate in favour of the Royal College of Pharmacy.

This is not just about a title—it’s about securing a stronger, more influential future for pharmacy. Now is the time to unite, lead, and to make pharmacy the best it can be.

Vote for the Royal College of Pharmacy—because together, we can make this happen through a united voice.

Mahendra G Patel is an independent expert board member of the The UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board (UKPPLAB)