According to the rules, a government pensioner is entitled to a medical reimbursement. Getting that reimbursement, though, is almost an impossible task. The procedure for this is so arduous that hardly any one of the retirees can avail this 'facility. Though he may be suffering from one or all of the chronic diseases of old age commonly afflicting most pensioners-----hypertension, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, glaucoma, heart disease. arthritis etc----- he must get a prescription every week from the nearest government hospital and have it verified by the medical superintendent, EDO and the district accounts officer if he has any hopes of receiving a repayment from treasury. For each reimbursement, there are some 6 steps in total which would require three months to do, provided each of the involved office is kind enough to do its job honestly and does not demand a bribe-----an unlikely hope. The amount of pension a retiree receives today is much too small for even daily subsistence, what to speak of buying medicines. The government is requested to show some compassion for these senior citizens and allow them a monthly medical allowance of Rs. 2000 and may be also raise their pension to a reasonable level. -MUHAMMAD SHARIF, Muzaffargarh, October 26.