On World Hepatitis Day, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif outlined a multi-pronged strategy to eliminate the disease, emphasizing that public participation in screening is as critical as government action. Main Developments The chief minister announced that mobile hospital units now provide hepatitis screening at people's doorsteps, eliminating travel barriers. She confirmed that free diagnosis and treatment are available to all patients, removing financial obstacles to care. Strict prohibitions on manufacturing and reusing substandard syringes have been enforced to cut transmission routes. Deep cleaning of all government hospitals is underway to enforce hygiene and infection prevention protocols. Read also: 3 water security challenges WAPDA outlined for Balochistan delegation Background Hepatitis remains a major public health challenge in Punjab, with transmission often linked to unsafe medical injections. The province has previously launched awareness campaigns and screening drives, but access to care has been uneven, particularly in rural areas. Maryam Nawaz's government has prioritized healthcare reforms, with this hepatitis elimination pledge building on earlier efforts to expand mobile health services. The World Hepatitis Day message marks a renewed political commitment to the goal. Why It Matters Eliminating hepatitis would prevent thousands of deaths annually and reduce strain on Punjab's healthcare system. The focus on doorstep screening and free treatment directly addresses the two biggest barriers—cost and distance—that have hindered past campaigns. Prohibiting substandard syringes tackles a root cause of new infections, while hospital deep cleaning aims to prevent cross-contamination in medical settings. Success could serve as a model for other provinces. What's Next The government is expected to expand mobile screening services to more districts and monitor compliance with syringe bans. Maryam Nawaz called on citizens to get tested voluntarily, suggesting a public awareness drive may follow. Long-term elimination will depend on sustained funding for free treatment and enforcement of hygiene standards across all government hospitals. The chief minister expressed confidence that collective national effort can achieve a healthier Pakistan.