More than 400,000 people have used the common ailments service in Wales in the last year.
The Welsh Government is urging the public to visit their local pharmacy for free advice and treatment for a wide range of illnesses, as new figures reveal the high usage of the service.
The common ailments service is available in 99 per cent of pharmacies across Wales and provides access to free, confidential advice and treatments for 28 common illnesses including sore throats and urinary tract infections.
Since its launch in 2013, the service has helped almost 1.25 million people.
The Welsh Government said visiting pharmacies provides convenient access to healthcare professionals, often without an appointment, and helps to free up GP appointments for people with more complex or urgent health issues.
Cabinet secretary for health and social care, Jeremy Miles, said: "We know there is very high demand for GP services in Wales, with around 1.6 million people contacting their practice each month.
"For most common health concerns, your local pharmacy is the best option, providing free and easy access to treatment.
"We are working with the NHS to provide more care in the community, closer to people's homes and to make it easier for people to choose the right service for their health needs."
Pharmacist Gwawr Davies-Jones from High Street Pharmacy, Barry, said: "Since the new pharmacy contract was implemented in 2022, our role has changed considerably.
"Instead of being in the dispensary, we are now in the consultation room for the most part of the day, offering clinical services.
"On average we undertake more than 20 consultations every day, ranging from providing contraception to emergency medicine supplies.
"The demand for advice on common conditions in the community is great, providing pharmacists with an opportunity to share advice and treatment with their patients, including prescribing antibiotics and other prescription-only medicines where indicated, without the need to see a GP, freeing up much needed appointments for people with more complex conditions.
"We feel we offer an invaluable service to our community.
"The services we offer alleviate pressures on the NHS, providing great satisfaction to pharmacists knowing that they are doing their bit."