Thorrun Govind is a pharmacist, solicitor, and broadcaster recognized for her impactful contributions to healthcare. In 2018, she became the youngest member ever elected to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's English Pharmacy Board. Building on this achievement, Govind was elected as the youngest chair of the same board in 2021, marking a historic milestone for the organisation.
Speaking to Asian Voice about balancing careers as both a pharmacist and a solicitor, Govind said, “I’ve always wanted to be a pharmacist, but law plays a role in everyday life and pharmacy too. Now I’m able to support pharmacists from a legal perspective, which has always been a goal. I’ve long been an advocate for the value of pharmacists, especially within the South Asian community, where there's strong support to advance the profession.”
She added, “I’m passionate about educating the public and helping them understand when to seek professional advice. I’ve also appreciated the opportunities I’ve had in the media—whether on radio or breakfast shows—discussing topics like medicine shortages and public health. Being able to respond quickly and clearly on such issues is a privilege, especially when it helps people manage their health at home.”
Emphasising the need for better support for healthcare professionals in understanding legal responsibilities, Govind said, “As a lawyer, I see how legal aspects are deeply embedded in day-to-day healthcare. While the primary focus must always be the patient, legal considerations come into play constantly — from ensuring patients understand their medications to knowing what pharmacists can legally offer. For example, certain medicines cannot be supplied in emergencies due to legal restrictions. So, bridging the gap between pharmacy and law really interests me. When I offer legal advice, I aim to make it clear and practical for busy healthcare workers, helping them understand the risks and benefits quickly without wading through legal jargon.”
Govind stressed the importance of improving access to women’s health information and services. “Women often carry the dual responsibility of caring for themselves and their families. We must create safe, stigma-free spaces to talk about issues like menstrual health, menopause, and conditions such as UTIs. Pharmacies, with private consultation rooms, are well-placed to offer that support.”
She highlighted the need for collaboration across healthcare services and better data-sharing, especially through schemes like ‘Pharmacy First’, which allows women to access treatment for common conditions without seeing a GP. “We also need to educate the public on when and where to seek help — for instance, pharmacies should be the first stop for medication issues, not A&E,” she explained.
On misinformation, Govind said timely updates about new drugs must be shared clearly with both healthcare professionals and patients. “I focus a lot on women’s health, especially within South Asian communities, where menopause can occur earlier. Many women still lack access to trusted advice, so education is key — and men must be part of that conversation too.”
Reflecting on her experience as a woman of colour in law and healthcare, Govind shared, “At 33, I’ve faced ageism and assumptions — especially as a young Asian woman. In one pharmacy role, patients assumed my male colleague was the pharmacist. You have to be tough and advocate for yourself. I’ve learned that lifting others up helps us all grow. We need to encourage more women to take ownership of their health and careers, and seek credible, evidence-based advice.”
Offering advice to young women pursuing multidisciplinary careers, she added, “The working world is evolving — portfolio careers are more common. My legal background in healthcare means I understand the environment my clients work in. I stay ahead of trends and can offer tailored support. Don’t be afraid to pivot — it can be a powerful move that strengthens your path.”
