Ritesh Shah, a pharmacist of Indian origin and healthcare innovator, has been recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy, a national honor celebrating leadership, innovation, and service within the profession.

The annual list, curated by Pharmacy50, highlights professionals whose work is driving meaningful change across pharmacy and the broader healthcare landscape.

Shah is the founder of the Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy, a nonprofit initiative that provides free prescription medications to uninsured and underinsured patients. His work demonstrates how purpose-driven pharmacy models can be scalable, financially sustainable, and impactful in shaping policy discussions around equitable healthcare.

This recognition underscores Shah’s role as a community-based pharmacist and healthcare leader, noted for improving patient access, reducing medication costs, and supporting the long-term strength of independent pharmacies.

Reflecting on the honor, Shah expressed gratitude, emphasizing that pharmacy is ultimately about serving people and communities, and credited partners, volunteers, and community support for making this mission possible.