For us, it’s a time of opportunity.
In the weeks between dissolution and election, candidates from all political parties are busy trying to stay visible to potential voters in their selected constituencies. Those aspiring to be Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) are keen to demonstrate what a vote for them will stand for, and what actions we can expect if they get to Holyrood.
In this exceptional period, prospective politicians are in acute listening mode.
Health policy is a devolved matter affecting every voter so rightly is the highest agenda item for every political party’s Scottish election 2026 manifesto.
Our next MSPs, from whatever party, must understand how community pharmacies are indispensable health assets across Scotland, supporting the reduction of health inequalities and keeping people well in every constituency.
Future government can provide the right investment to take the opportunity of building on existing NHS Scotland pharmacy services. Service expansion can enhance health prevention, medicines optimisation, common illness, long-term conditions, and urgent pharmaceutical care services to enable community pharmacy teams to further reduce unnecessary GP appointments and pressure on hospitals including Accident and Emergency.
Politicians need to realise the challenges pharmacy teams experience every day to enable people in Scotland to receive their medicines safely and efficient for NHS Scotland.
If your Scottish election candidates are listening now, we should use the opportunity to remind them:
• Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals based at the heart of communities, particularly in deprived neighbourhoods.
• The majority of the population, visit pharmacies to access healthcare services including medicine supply, urgent pharmaceutical care, support with long-term conditions, advice and treatment for common illnesses.
• Building on the existing services portfolio along with medicines supply function, there are major opportunities to expand pharmacy services.
The NPA has resources to support you to engage with Scottish election candidates and newly elected MSPs, including template letter, hints, and social media assets.
The NPA document, Community Pharmacies: An Indispensable Health Asset is an easy reference. We would also encourage members to signposting to the Community Pharmacy Scotland Manifesto 2026 to describe the detail of how pharmacy services can be expanded with the correct investment.
If you would like the NPA to support you in any interactions you have with local candidates we're here to support you.
