Pharmacy's Role in Addressing Healthcare Inequalities in 2025

Pharmacy professionals are increasingly recognized as vital partners in combating healthcare inequalities, a mission that extends beyond public health teams and policymakers. As outlined in the recent column from Diane Ashiru-Oredope, Chief Scientist at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, pharmacy teams are uniquely positioned to identify and address healthcare inequities, particularly through the NHS’s ‘Core20PLUS5’ framework, which targets the most deprived populations in the UK.

The Core20PLUS5 initiative focuses on the 20% of the population experiencing the most severe social and health inequalities, identifying five clinical areas for accelerated improvement: maternity care, severe mental illness, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer diagnosis, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it emphasizes the inclusion of health groups facing severe social exclusion, such as those experiencing homelessness and drug dependence.

In a 2024 study published in the International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Todd and Ashiru-Oredope highlighted the urgent need for the pharmacy profession to prioritize actions aimed at improving equity in healthcare access and outcomes. The researchers noted that pharmacy professionals must engage in inclusive service design, equitable prescribing, and culturally competent care to meet the needs of diverse populations.

Pharmacists’ involvement in mental health care has been particularly noted during the COVID-19 pandemic, where their roles expanded to include medication management, wellness checks, and resource referrals. However, as reported by Ashcroft et al. (2023), pharmacists face challenges such as public misconceptions and insufficient training, which hinder their potential impact on mental health care delivery.

Furthermore, pharmacy-led initiatives have shown promise in addressing cancer and cardiovascular health disparities. An audit conducted by Carroll and Murphy in an Irish hospital revealed that pharmacy teams play a critical role in ensuring adherence to chemotherapy prescribing standards. The study underscores the importance of pharmacists in enhancing safety and consistency in cancer treatment protocols.

The ‘DEFERAL’ study, focusing on frail older adults, demonstrated the feasibility of a multidisciplinary approach to deprescribing potentially inappropriate antihypertensive medications. This aligns with the broader goal of promoting rational prescribing practices and improving patient outcomes.

As the pharmacy profession navigates the complexities of healthcare inequalities, it is essential for practitioners to adopt a strategic approach to pharmaceutical public health. Recommendations from a recent study by Ashiru-Oredope et al. (2025) advocate for improved commissioning, formalizing workforce development, and boosting evidence-based research in pharmaceutical public health.

In conclusion, pharmacy professionals are at the forefront of addressing healthcare inequalities, driven by the NHS’s Core20PLUS5 framework. Their unique positions within healthcare systems empower them to contribute significantly to improving equity in health outcomes, but continued efforts are necessary to overcome existing barriers and enhance their roles in public health.