When I was in India I got antibiotics OTC a few times for myself after I self diagnosed using the internet. Because my mum went to med-school I was always very aware about the need to complete the course. I am sure that not everybody is as careful: http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/shalini/211/65030/anitbiotic-res...

In India there are lots of doctors running small individual practices, due to this for simple diagnosis and prescription they would charge a small fee in cash and be done with it. Infact, I know for a fact that the Ayurvedic doctor near our house used to charge less than the standard Doctor.

When I came to the US, I found things here to be more restrictive - but I guess in the interest of safety we have to accept these restrictions.