Sir: The affordability of healthcare is obviously a major issue for the nation’s poverty stricken masses. In this part of the world, hundreds of thousands of people suffer from various communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and aren’t able to access the medications they require since they can’t afford treatment. Recently, there has been some good news in regards to this situation. One of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies has initiated a global healthcare programme which includes Pakistan. The programme focuses on affordability and availability of commonly prescribed medicines. The programme ensures the access of medicines by offering them at a negligible price of one dollar per treatment per month. The programme covers diseases like diabetes, breast cancer, respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases. The initiative will play a leading role in improving access to quality medication and healthcare in the country. KASHIF MUSTAFA QADRI Karachi Published in Daily Times, October 16th 2017.