Pharmacies across Wales carried out more than 600,000 clinical
consultations for a wide range of common health issues in the
last 12 months.
Almost 346,000 people used the common ailments service, which
offers free advice and treatment for 27 common conditions and is
available in 99% of pharmacies across Wales.
The latest community pharmacy services statistics show between
April 2024 and March 2025 more than 462,000 common ailments
consultations took place – the highest number ever recorded.
The most common reasons for using the service were for treatment
for sore throats, hay fever, conjunctivitis and dermatitis.
Pharmacies also provided more than 53,000 consultations for sore
throat treatment; 33,000 for contraception advice and treatment
and 121,000 consultations for emergency supplies of medicines –
pharmacists provided more than 189,000 prescription-only
medicines to people who had run out and were unable to obtain a
new prescription in time.
Pharmacies also dispensed more than 80 million prescription items
in the same period.
The common ailments service helps people to get the right care
closer to home, while also freeing up GP appointments for people
with more complex or urgent health needs,
Health Secretary said:
"Community pharmacies play a vital role in providing healthcare
across Wales.
"Nearly half a million consultations in a single year shows just
how much people value being able to walk into their local
pharmacy and get the help they need quickly, without having to
wait for a GP appointment.
"We are working to ensure more people can receive convenient care
closer to home, and expanding access to these services is a key
part of that.
“The right care, in the right place, at the right time — that is
what people in Wales want, and what our pharmacies are
delivering."
Notes to editors
- The Common Ailments Service is available at 99% of pharmacies
in Wales and provides free treatment for 28 common illnesses
without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
- The most common reasons for using the service were sore
throats, hay fever, conjunctivitis and dry skin/dermatitis.
- Statistics cover the period April 2024 to March 2025.
