PATHETIC HOSPITAL: As part of a university visit, I recently had exposure to the Pakistan Railways Hospital in Rawalpindi’s Westridge area. This left me in a state of shock. When we entered the hospital, we saw a wheelchair retro-fitted with a plastic chair, which must be very uncomfortable for the patients. The female students who visited women’s wards witnessed the rude behaviour of attendants towards patients. Additionally, all the testing machines and equipment had outdated manuals. This is a well-known institution, but has clearly failed to maintain the premises properly. The authorities should take due notice. : While numerous cases of thalassaemia have been reported in Turbat district, there are no government healthcare centres to facilitate such patients. Moreover, there is a lack of awareness regarding the health condition among the local people. Consanguineous marriages are common in Turbat, which is the main reason behind this medical condition. It is crucial to educate people about thalassaemia and the devastating effects of consanguineous marriages. The government must take concrete steps to address the problem. The admini-stration of Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in Karachi seems to be concerned about Phase VIII only. Almost all the other areas of DHA, including Phase V, VI and VII, have roads and streets that are full of cracks and potholes. Every now and then, sewerage lines get choked, leaving the streets submerged in sewage. The authorities have left the residents at the mercy of inefficient officials of the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC). The quality of the roads that were built recently after laying down the new storm water drains was so poor that the roads have started wearing out already. The higher-ups should pay a visit to these areas, and see the plight of the residents for themselves.