Sir: The government has allocated only a small share for healthcare in the budget. It is neglected just like education and all the good things that lead to development and progress of the people. Basic healthcare facilities are not within the reach of a poor man, who cannot afford doctors’ fees and medicines. Government hospitals lack resources as well as proper doctors. Hospitals where doctors are present are helpless due to an absence of proper resources to treat their patients. Those who cannot afford private doctors wait for death to ease their suffering. Most of the healthcare facilities in such areas are provided by NGO-run hospitals and clinics. According to a report, Pakistan is ranked lowest in education and health among the nuclear powers. The birth rate and death rate are higher than usual. The government has clearly no interest in the welfare of its people; that is why they are deprived of basic facilities that the state is required to provide them. The government should take serious measures to improve health facilities in rural areas as well as in the cities. ESHAL KHAN Karachi