By Nicholas Yong

Housewife Anastasia Ng, 58, who often gets the runs, can anticipate the medication a general practitioner would prescribe for her condition - ultracarbon pills or Lomotil, and some muscle relaxants for the stomach.

'Doctors' fees are quite expensive these days. I don't want to fork out $28 plus for something that I can just get at the pharmacy,' she said.

Graduate student Cynthia Elizabeth Tang, 29, also prefers to get her own medication from the pharmacy.

'GPs generally provide the same kinds of medicine, especially for the common cough and cold, and these are available in pharmacies. You can always find generic drugs there,' said Ms Tang, who added that she has become an 'expert' at reading the labels on over-the-counter drugs.

Madam Ng and Ms Tang are just two of many Singaporeans who prefer to self-medicate for common and small ailments rather than consult a doctor.

Senior physician Dr Wong Wei Mon of the Raffles Medical Group noted that they may be part of a trend. He said: 'Patients are more educated, busier and they can lay their hands on drugs online and across the Causeway or from other neighbouring countries.'

Could it be that people can buy more drugs, which used to be prescription- only, over the counter (OTC)?