Sir: In case of fever, colds, cough and headache, people usually take medicines without consulting any doctor. This habit has dire consequences. A minor health issue that could be resolved easily with doctor’s advice may become a major problem. Self-medication is not in any case the right thing to do when you are ill. The poor go for self-medication because they cannot afford doctor’s fee and medicine price or are ignorant of the consequences of their actions. Others are just lazy to go to nearby clinics. Their laziness and carelessness may cause bad health effects. NADEEM BALOCH Karachi