Mahendra G Patel, FRPharmS

Independent expert member of UKPPLAB

"This is a new dawn—a new beginning for pharmacy!"

You’ve been very vocal in support of the changes at RPS. Why do you think this is important?
As a former RPS Treasurer, I’ve had a unique insight into how the RPS operates through its governance structure across the three nations. I’ve seen first-hand the commitment of our elected members in supporting and helping to make the UK pharmacy profession truly world-class. The proposed changes now mean something different to me and represents a crucial evolution for RPS—one that will strengthen its role in leading pharmacy into the future through the highest standards nationally and internationally.  

What changes will make the biggest difference for RPS as an organisation?
The transition to a royal college is without doubt a defining moment for pharmacy. I’ve been honoured and privileged to be involved in this journey from the very outset—through the UK Pharmacy Commission and its recommendations, and through the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board, as its independent expert member. 

This shift aligns with the ever-expanding role of pharmacy in healthcare. It captures the ambition of elevating the profession’s standing, giving us the recognition, respect, and influence we deserve. Over the years, pharmacy has lost some of its direction when it comes to professional leadership, a concern highlighted by the UK Pharmacy Commission. If we get this right, we can be trailblazers—setting a precedent for other professions and royal colleges to learn from and creating an opportunity to link up with them more meaningfully.

You’ve had a very varied career. How do you think changes at RPS will benefit other pharmacists?
I’ve worked with organisations like the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and the South Asian Health Foundation. I was one of the first Fellows of NICE and the first pharmacist to be appointed a Fellow of NICE. During the pandemic, I served as a national lead in the world’s largest and fastest-recruiting primary care clinical trials for COVID-19 at the University of Oxford. This work led to my role as a founding member of the first Centre for Research Equity at Oxford, with pharmacy proudly positioned at its core. 

At every stage, I’ve made sure pharmacy had a credible and valued voice. Now, I am committed to help take pharmacy to the next level. Becoming the Royal College of Pharmacy will ensure that others can access the same professional support and leadership that helped shape my illustrious career. 

Opportunity shouldn’t be limited to a select few—it should be available to every pharmacy colleague, in every sector, at every stage of their journey.

For me, pharmacy is like football. You have your team from early, and it’s almost like a religion, you are wedded to it – whether it performs well or not (something I’ve had to deal with following Leeds United over the years). The same goes for me when it comes to pharmacy, and it’s that passion, the engagement, the involvement, the dedication that I hope this royal college trajectory will now inspire people to look towards developing themselves and future generations. 

What will these changes mean for the wider healthcare system?  
Healthcare today is about integration, collaboration, and multi-professional working. Pharmacy has an essential role to play, but we need to ensure other healthcare professionals understand our contribution—and vice versa.

This change is about breaking down silos, expanding our influence, and ensuring pharmacy is fully embedded in the future of healthcare.

What would your message be to other RPS members? 
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We need to get this vote over the line, and we need to do it emphatically. Once we do, we can start building together towards our future as a royal college.

The Charter changes are critical—they will provide governance and oversight—but the real power lies with our members. The Senate, made up of elected professionals, will be at the heart of this transformation. That’s where things will get exciting.

Becoming a royal college isn’t just a title change—it’s about tangible benefits for all pharmacy professionals. Regardless of your heritage, where you work or what stage of your career you’re at, this will give us the authority to drive meaningful change, raise standards, and ensure pharmacy’s evolving role is fully recognised not just from within but for those outside as well.

This is a new dawn—a new beginning for pharmacy!