The Indian Panorama

Tag: Ritesh Shah

  • RITESH SHAH NAMED AMONG THE 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN PHARMACY

    RITESH SHAH NAMED AMONG THE 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN PHARMACY

    RED BANK, NJ (TIP): Ritesh Shah has been recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy, a prestigious national honor celebrating leaders whose work is shaping the future of the profession through innovation, advocacy, and service.

    This distinction highlights Shah’s impact as a community pharmacist and healthcare innovator, as well as his leadership in advancing patient access, medication affordability, and the sustainability of independent pharmacies. His efforts have elevated the role of pharmacists as essential frontline healthcare providers and trusted community partners.

    Shah is best known as the founder of the Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy, a pioneering model that provides free medications to uninsured and underinsured patients. The initiative demonstrates how mission-driven pharmacy practice can be both scalable and sustainable, influencing policy discussions and reinforcing the importance of equity and compassion in healthcare delivery.

    “Ritesh’s influence goes far beyond traditional pharmacy practice,” said Joe Howe, President of the Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy. “He has shown that pharmacists can lead systemic change by expanding access, strengthening communities, and proving that innovation and compassion are not mutually exclusive. This recognition is incredibly well deserved.”

    “I’m deeply honored by this recognition,” Shah said. “Pharmacy is ultimately about people—meeting patients where they are and ensuring access to life-saving medications. This work is only possible because of the dedicated partners, volunteers, and communities we serve.”

    The 50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy list, curated by Pharmacy50, highlights professionals whose leadership is driving meaningful change across the pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape. Shah’s inclusion underscores his continued commitment to strengthening independent pharmacies, improving patient outcomes, and redefining the role of pharmacy in advancing public health.

    About Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy

    The Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free medications to uninsured and underinsured patients. Founded on the principles of equity, compassion, and sustainability, the pharmacy serves as a model for mission-driven healthcare delivery that strengthens communities and expands access.

    Mission:

    Increase access to medications, immunizations, health education, and pharmacy services for uninsured and underserved patients, to reduce clinical and social health inequities in our community.

    For more information, visit www.pillstopurpose.com or www.rscprx.org.

    24 Shrewsbury Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701

    www.RSCharityPharmacy.org

  • Pills to Purpose Gala & Book Launch Raises Nearly $175,000 to Support New Jersey’s First Charitable Pharmacy

    Pills to Purpose Gala & Book Launch Raises Nearly $175,000 to Support New Jersey’s First Charitable Pharmacy

    EDISON, NJ (TIP): Nearly 300 guests came together at the Moghul Ballroom in Edison for the Pills to Purpose Gala & Book Launch, celebrating the release of pharmacist Ritesh Shah’s memoir, Pills to Purpose, and raising nearly $175,000 in support of the Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy (RSCP).

    The evening, emceed by Joe Howe, President of RSCP, was filled with moving tributes and moments of reflection. The beautifully decorated ballroom set the stage for a program that included heartfelt keynote speeches, a symbolic candle lighting, and the unveiling of Ritesh Shah’s book.

    The book “Pills to Purpose” is launched

    Keynote speakers Senator Vin Gopal and Senator Raj Mukherji delivered powerful remarks. Senator Gopal spoke on “Empathy: Prescription of Hope,” highlighting the importance of serving underserved communities through New Jersey’s first charitable pharmacy. Senator Mukherji followed with “Seva: The Pharmacist’s Purpose,” drawing from the chapter in which he is featured to emphasize service, sacrifice, and the deeper mission of healthcare.

    Guests also experienced a “Mission Moment” video spotlighting RSCP’s patient impact, followed by a live art auction by Serena Cutaneo. After the program, attendees enjoyed a full buffet dinner and dessert while sharing in the spirit of community. The evening concluded with a book signing, where guests lined up to meet Ritesh Shah and receive personalized copies of Pills to Purpose.

    Q & A session with Ritesh Shah

    “I am deeply humbled and inspired to have witnessed our community come together in such a powerful way,” said Ritesh Shah, RPh. “This night was not only about launching a book, but about honoring the memory of my sister, Rena, whose light continues to guide this mission. The support in this room affirms that Pills to Purpose is more than a book — it is a movement to ensure no patient in New Jersey is ever denied access to life-saving medication.”

    Copies of Pills to Purpose — subtitled A True Story of a Pharmacist — are now available on Amazon. Each purchase directly supports RSCP’s mission: One book sold= one life saved.

    For more information, visit www.pillstopurpose.com or www.rscprx.org. 

    Mission:

    Increase access to medications, immunizations, health education, and pharmacy services for uninsured and underserved patients, to reduce clinical and social health inequities in our community.

    24 Shrewsbury Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701

    www.RSCharityPharmacy.org

     

  • RITESH SHAH CHARITABLE PHARMACY HOSTS FOUNDERS’ GALA

    RITESH SHAH CHARITABLE PHARMACY HOSTS FOUNDERS’ GALA

    Aryan, Padmasana & Deepa – dance performers
    NJ State Assemblyman Raj Mukherji from NJ Leg. District 18 & keynote speaker at the gala.
    NJ State Assemblyman Raj Mukherji from NJ Leg. District 18 & keynote speaker at the gala.
    NJ State Senator Vin Gopal from NJ Leg. District 11
    A View of the gathering (Photos : courtesy Chirag Patel – Universal Photography)

    ABERDEEN, N.J. (TIP): Over 200 guests gathered Sunday, June 26 at Addison Park for the first annual gala supporting New Jersey’s first charitable pharmacy – Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy. With partners from across the public policy, business, social service, health care, and pharmaceutical sectors, the Founders’ Gala raised over $150,000 for the organization that opened its doors to the public in April. “I would like to thank each of our supporters for making the health of our community a priority,” said Founder and Trustee Ritesh Shah. “Together, we are making a difference by providing no-cost prescriptions to New Jersey’s most vulnerable population.” The evening began with classical Indian music played on the sitar and drums. Guests proceeded to the main function space, which featured the presentation of proclamations by Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik and State Senators Vin Gopal and Declan O’Scanlon. Traditional Indian dances paying tribute to the Gods of service, healing, and virtue entertained the audience throughout the night. Assemblyperson Raj Mukherji was the evening’s keynote speaker, addressing the audience on the growing racial and ethnic disparities in health and wellbeing.

    He told several stories including how his life could have been changed by the existence of a charitable pharmacy two decades earlier. Mukherji closed out his remarks with a challenge for the audience saying, “Let’s celebrate New Jersey’s first charitable pharmacy and make certain it is not the only.” With the funds raised, the pharmacy will continue providing prescription drugs to patients. The organization places an emphasis on education and availability of prescriptions for diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health that can have a profound impact on long-term health.