Some observers are also concerned about certain prescription drugs. For example, international comparisons show that for patients with throat and ear infections, Canadian physicians prescribe antibiotics more often than do their counterparts in various European countries. It seems, however, that the treatment period is approximately the same, with or without antibiotics. Similarly, Canadian physicians tend to prescribe drugs for patients with colds, although such drugs are unnecessary. It seems that physicians seek to respond to the demands of their patients, who insist on these drugs. Ontario spends approximately $200 million in physicians' fees each year to treat patients with colds. (