Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Health secretary praises pharmacy’s key NHS role

Wes Streeting urges sector’s involvement in modernising the health service at annual awards

Health secretary praises pharmacy’s key NHS role

THE shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, said pharmacists were key to the modernisation of the NHS as he paid tribute to the sector at the annual Pharmacy Business Awards last Wednesday (4).

Independent community pharmacists were in the spotlight at the event, which recognises the contribution of the sector in healthcare, as more than a dozen awards were presented on the night.


Business leaders from the pharma industry, healthcare executives and leading politicians gathered at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in central London to celebrate the achievements of independent pharmacists. Hosted by the Asian Media Group (AMG), publishers of Pharmacy Business, and Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat news weeklies, the event was attended by more than 600 high-profile guests.

SWN 5079 OTC Brand of the Year (in association with IQVIA):Buttercup, from Perrigo. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Nick Lyle from Perrigo, IQVIA’s Joanna Redding and Kalpesh Solanki

SWN 5106 Innovation in Generics (in association with IQVIA): Apixaban from Teva. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, IQVIA’s Des Hennelly, Katie Riding from Teva and Kalpesh Solanki

SWN 5896 Enterprise Award (in association with Alliance Healthcare): Deborah Evans, Remedi Health, Hampshire.(From left) Shailesh Solanki, Ashley Kilgas from Alliance Healthcare, Deborah Evans, Joanna Beresford and Kalpesh Solanki


Capture 60 Community Pharmacy Heroes (in association with Haleon): Avicenna’s Sean Donoghue collected the award on behalf of Natalie Carruthers of Seaton Burn Pharmacy, Newcastle. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Khalid Janjua, Sean Donoghue and Kalpesh Solanki

Capture 58 Ramniklal Solanki Lifetime Achievement Award: Mark Lyonette (second from right), CEO of the National Pharmacy Association, is pictured with (from left) Shailesh Solanki, Seema Malhotra MP and Kalpesh Solanki

Capture 57 Community Award (in association with Sigma Pharmaceuticals): Nemesh Patel, Davies Pharmacy, Hampshire. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Nemesh Patel, Raj Haria from Sigma Pharmaceuticals and Rx Farma and Kalpesh Solanki

Capture 59 Local Health Initiative of the Year (in association with Kenvue): Pillbox Chemists, Berkshire. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Ketan Amin, Davinder Virdee, Suki Rayat of Kenvue, Gurdeep Nanra and Kalpesh Solanki

In his keynote speech, the chief guest and Labour MP Streeting said the NHS, which marked its 75th anniversary in July, could once again become the “envy of the world”. He emphasised three pivotal shifts for the NHS – secondary to primary care; from analogue to digital systems; and from sickness-oriented to prevention-focused healthcare. He noted that community pharmacy had an enormous role to play in each of those areas.

Streeting praised the efforts of community pharmacies during the pandemic who “kept (their) doors open to serve the public to make sure (they) provided that vital lifeline. And when the brilliant scientists had their breakthrough in the vaccination, community pharmacy was instrumental in the vaccine rollout, delivering 33 million Covid-19 vaccinations.”

The shadow health secretary added, “We want to work with you to make sure we get the very best of community pharmacy to build the very best national health service possible… because unless we fix the front door to the NHS, and as we go further still and focus on prevention, then we won’t have the NHS as we see it today.”

In his speech, Pharmacy Business executive editor Shailesh Solanki, noted that community pharmacies serve as society’s “bedrock”. Despite being the “front desk” of the NHS, the sector was currently at a “generational inflection point”, he added.

“After years of chronic under-investment, pharmacy finances are in a perilous state. The stark reality is the majority of pharmacies are operating at a loss, and hundreds have closed in recent years,” Solanki said.

Capture 72 Sustainable Pharmacy of the Year (in association with Teva UK): Prabjaudt Singh Channa, Priory Pharmacy, Orpington, Kent. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Prabjaudt Singh Channa, Teva UK’s Ryan Ruscoe and Kalpesh Solanki

Capture 67 Pharmacy Team of the Year (in association with Bristol Laboratories): Edwinstowe Pharmacy, Mansfield. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Yunus Shafi of Bristol Laboratories, Kate Scothern, Jane Keightley from Edwinstowe Pharmacy and Kalpesh Solanki

Capture 73 Aspiring Pharmacy Leader of the Year (in association with Aspire Pharma): Davinder Virdee of Pillbox Chemists, Berkshire. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Davinder Virdee, Aspire’s Tim Brady and Kalpesh Solanki

Capture 77 Pharmacy Business Development Award (in association with Cipla): Baljit Kaur, Smarta Healthcare, Bedford.(From left) Shailesh Solanki, Cipla’s Alex Saint, Baljit Kaur and Kalpesh Solanki


Capture 74 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (in association with Reckitt PharmacyHub): Ketan Amin collected the award on behalf of Anne Edwards of Jephson Pharmacy, Swindon. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Reckitt PharmacyHub’s Angela Carle, Ketan Amin and Kalpesh Solanki

Capture 75 Independent Prescriber of the Year (in association with Brown & Burk): Atul Patel, Lincoln Pharmacy, London. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Brown & Burk’s Preetham Sharma, Atul Patel and Kalpesh Solanki

Capture 76 Public Health Pharmacist of the Year (in association with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals): Ayan Awale, Spiralstone Pharmacy, Southampton. (From left)Shailesh Solanki, Ayan Awale, Glenmark’s Martin Imms and Kalpesh Solanki

Since the beginning of the year, 296 pharmacies have shut their doors. Multiples such as Lloyds have nearly halved their store estate over the past two years, and Boots recently announced the closure of around 300 stores, he said.

“Pharmacy finances are now at the worst point in the sector’s history. However, there is hope on the horizon.”

Talking about the government announcement of £645 million investment in the long-awaited ‘Pharmacy First’ service, Solanki said the funding was a “welcome boost for the sector, allowing pharmacists to write prescriptions for seven common ailments for the first time, placing the sector at the heart of the NHS and the prevention agenda”.

However, negotiations between the government and community Pharmacy England “have been painfully slow”, he said.

“It remains to be seen how much of the funding will be left to support the bottom line of loss-making pharmacies, as part of it is allocated to other services and IT integration,” he explained.

Following the release of the Nuffield Trust and King’s Fund report, which presented a vision for community pharmacy, Solanki said there was an opportunity for the sector to be reimagined.

“Community pharmacy can help patients manage long-term conditions such as asthma, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Pharmacy can play an expanded role in the prevention agenda and tackle rising obesity and promote healthy living,” he said.

“It can play a vital role in the early detection of cancer, dementia and other lifechanging illnesses.

“But this advanced role in clinical services can only be developed on the foundation of pharmacy’s vital role in the safe supply of medicines and its crucial contact with patients.”

The event also saw the recognition of independent pharmacies from up and down the country.

The top award, the Pharmacy Business of the Year, was presented to Patrick Gompel of D&M Gompels in Melksham, Wiltshire, for running what judges described as an “outstanding” family business for three generations.

Capture 68 Inspiring Woman of the Year (in association with Crescent Pharma): Sobha Sharma Kandel, Neem Tree Pharmacy, London. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Sobha Sharma Kandel and Kalpesh Solanki

Capture 70 Pharmacy Business of the Year: Patrick Gompels, D&M Gompels, Melksham, Wiltshire. (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Barry Gardiner MP, Patrick Gompels, Paddy Gompels, and Kalpesh Solanki

Capture 69 Generic Manufacturer of the Year: Teva (From left) Shailesh Solanki, Teva’s Ryan Ruscoe and Kalpesh Solanki

Capture 71 Branded Manufacturer of the Year:Sanofi (From left)Shailesh Solanki, Sanofi’s Jurga Budriene and Kalpesh Solanki


The pharmacy provides one of the widest ranges of NHS and private services in the country, offering everything from NMS, flu vaccines and minor ailments to micro-suction, dermatology advice and travel clinics.

Their use of technology ensures the pharmacy’s operation is efficient and allows for digital bookings and seamless communication with local GP practices.

The Ram Solanki Lifetime Achievement Award, in honour of AMG’s founder and editor-in-chief, the late Ramniklal Solanki CBE, went to Mark Lyonette, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). Lyonette was recognised for being an advocate of community pharmacy and championing the sector at the highest levels while also drawing on extensive contacts within government.

A new category, the Pharmacy Business Development Award, which was introduced to honour community pharmacists who have demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in advancing their practices, was won by Baljit Kaur, owner of Smarta Healthcare.

Davinder Virdee of Pillbox Chemists from Colnbrook, Berkshire, was named Aspiring Pharmacy Leader of the Year.

The Pharmacy Team of the Year was presented to Edwinstowe Pharmacy from Mansfield, while Nemesh Patel of Davies Pharmacy in Havant won Community Pharmacy of the Year.

Guests were entertained by stand-up comedian Joshua Bethania, and also raised funds for Rare Dementia Support Charity.

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less