by Claudia Watson

The Black Healthcare Awards has named Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) president Tase Oputu as 2026’s pharmacist of the year.

The award, presented by the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) on July 4, recognised Oputu’s “leadership, commitment to tackling health inequalities and contribution to advancing the pharmacy profession”, the RCPharm said yesterday.

Read more: ‘It means so much to me’: RPS president receives FIP Award

Oputu shared the honour with NHS England’s national pharmacy integration lead Dr Yeyenta Osasu, who jointly received the award.

The RCPharm said the awards “recognise excellence, innovation and leadership among Black healthcare professionals”, with the pharmacist of the year award celebrating “healthcare professionals making an outstanding impact on patient care, healthcare leadership and community health across the UK”.

Read more: Fife pharmacy team honoured at King’s Garden Party

It added that Oputu “has been a leading advocate” for the pharmacy profession “for many years”, by “championing the vital role pharmacists play in improving access to care, addressing health inequalities and supporting better outcomes for patients and communities”.

“Deeply honoured”

Oputu said she was “deeply honoured” to receive the award, adding that it was “not just a personal achievement” but reflected “the commitment, talent and innovation of pharmacists across the country.”

“The Black Healthcare Awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate the contribution of Black healthcare professionals,” she said, adding that she was “proud to stand alongside colleagues who are leading change, inspiring future generations and helping to build a more equitable healthcare system.”

Read more: Pharmacy group raises over £320k for charity with garden party event

Oputu was elected as the Royal College of Pharmacy’s first president in March, after she was first elected as a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's English pharmacy board in June 2021 and served as chair of the board since June 2023.

It comes after a student from the University of Leicester received an award for creating a platform that helps pharmacy students study for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).

And it follows a Fife pharmacy team being invited to the 2026 Royal Garden Party after winning a local award in recognition of its services to the community.

Images credits: Caribbean and African Health Network