Congratulations to Professor Mahendra Patel OBE, Vice President of the Royal College of Pharmacy and Chair of the English Pharmacy Advisory Council, who has been named in the Health Service Journal’s top 75 most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in health.

Professor Patel was recognised for advancing health equity and inclusive research. His pioneering efforts to increase participation among underrepresented communities in the PRINCIPLE and PANORAMIC COVID-19 clinical trials helped shape more inclusive research practices across the UK and led to his appointment as a founding Director of the Centre for Research Equity at the University of Oxford.

He said: “I am very honoured to be included in this year’s HSJ list. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of colleagues, partners and communities across the country who have worked tirelessly to improve health equity and ensure more people can benefit from research and healthcare innovations.

“I am particularly proud of the progress being made across pharmacy, which continues to play a vital role in addressing health inequalities and improving outcomes for patients and communities.”

Professor Patel has partnered with government research and development departments in Wales and Northern Ireland, and as Distinguished Visiting Professor at IIT Bombay, to advance equitable participation in research.

The Royal College of General Practitioners made him an Honorary Fellow in 2025, recognising his leadership and work on health inequalities.

He has also focused on breaking down barriers to professional inclusion and increasing collaborative working across disciplines and professions.

HSJ’s Black, Asian and minority ethnic 75 seeks to measure positive power and influence in the English NHS and health policy in the 12 months following the judging date (July 2026 to June 2027). 

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