Why self-care is the health revolution we need

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Across the globe, healthcare systems are under incredible pressure — and the NHS is no exception. Preventable illnesses, chronic conditions, the rise of mental health challenges and the growing prevalence of issues like obesity and stress are stretching practitioners and resources to their limits. 

But within these challenges lies an opportunity to reshape the way we approach healthcare. Pharmacies are uniquely poised to lead this transformation. The key? Empowering self-care.

Self-care goes far beyond a wellness trend or an optional practice. It represents one of the most impactful shifts we can make for a healthier, more sustainable society. By placing self-care at the heart of healthcare strategies, we can unlock lasting benefits for people, communities and the planet. 

The power of self-care 

Self-care is all about enabling individuals to take ownership of their health by equipping them with the right knowledge and tools. Imagine a world where preventable diseases no longer dominate healthcare spending and minor ailments are effectively managed at home with support from a trusted pharmacist. It is a vision where people thrive, resources are preserved and stress on healthcare practitioners is eased. 

We’re beginning to see this vision take shape. Take Pharmacy First consultations, for example. Every one of these consultations represents a patient who is empowered, with the help of a pharmacist, to manage their minor illness in a way that improves their quality of life while reducing the need for GP visits. 

However, there is more to be done. According to PAGB’s 2025 Self-Care Census, 75 per cent of GP appointments for self-treatable conditions result in advice to use OTC medicines. This shows not just the value of self-care but also demonstrates how much GP time could be freed up to help people with more serious illnesses if individuals felt more confident to take their health into their own hands. 

The PAGB census also highlights that half of UK adults believe a self-care hub would reduce unnecessary GP visits, while 84 per cent are ready to make self-care their first choice. These numbers tell us something powerful: people want accessible, effective ways to care for themselves.

The ripple effects of self-care extend far beyond immediate health outcomes. They touch the environment, equity, and even our approach to innovation. Think about it. Every time someone manages a minor illness at home, we reduce energy-intensive medical interventions and the carbon emissions associated with patient travel. Preventative care lessens the strain on hospitals, paving the way for a healthcare system that’s not just effective but also environmentally conscious. 

Equally important, self-care creates a more inclusive healthcare system. By offering solutions that are easy to understand and simple to access, we can reach people from all walks of life. 

The potential here isn’t limited to short-term gains. When we empower individuals to take control of their health, we contribute to a system that is more resilient, inclusive and sustainable for generations to come. 

Innovating for a better future  

Despite its undeniable promise, achieving widespread adoption of self-care requires both cultural and structural changes. It is not just a ‘nice-to-have’; it is a foundation for better health. For some, it is the only healthcare they will ever receive. People must view it as a vital element of well-being and a shared goal for society. 

Interestingly, PAGB’s 2025 Census showed that despite attitudes to self-care remaining positive, there has been a decline in people’s confidence. For example, the proportion of people who feel confident to self-care for the common cold has dropped from 81 per cent in 2023 to 63 per cent in 2025. Pharmacy is ideally placed to help reverse this trend, by providing accessible hubs for advice and OTC products, and building greater confidence in the sector as the first line for self-care.

Self-care is also important from a policy perspective. Governments must accelerate awareness of and access to self-care by cutting through regulatory hurdles and providing adequate funding for pharmacies. A truly impactful self-care ecosystem demands collaboration.

The future of self-care lies in empowering people with dynamic, science-backed solutions that seamlessly fit into their everyday lives. As consumer expectations evolve, we must be ready to respond with agility and vision as we aim to reframe the critical role of community pharmacies and build people’s confidence in self-care.

Self-care has the transformational power that the NHS urgently needs. By recognising it as the foundation of a stronger, more efficient system, we can create better outcomes, reduce costs and protect our planet. This is more than a call to action; it is an invitation to join a movement. Together, we can pioneer a future where self-care and community pharmacy are embraced and celebrated as the healthcare revolution we all need.