Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid said here on Thursday that frequent use of injection during routine treatment of patients must be discouraged. Speaking as chief guest at a ceremony to mark the World Hepatitis Day at Governor’s House, the Health Minister said that awareness on modes of transmission of hepatitis is the need of the hour and Punjab Hepatitis Control Program must be appreciated for arranging these initiatives. Present on the occasion were wife of Governor Punjab, World Representative World Health Organization Dr. Palitha Mahipala, WHO Head of office Punjab Dr. Jamshed, Project Director Punjab Hepatitis Control Program Dr. Khalid, Dr. Zahid Pervaiz, Unicef representatives and a large number of people. The ceremony started with formal recitation and Program Director HCP Dr. Khalid shared details of services provided by the Program in the province. The Health Minister said, “It is extremely important to create awareness on hepatitis. The registered patients are being provided free of cost treatment and diagnosis facilities in Punjab. The purpose for commemorating this day to create awareness among people and renew pledge to provide quality treatment. Screening facilities are being scaled up in Punjab. Hepatitis is mostly transmitted through blood and use of disposable syringes is being ensured. A number of steps have recently been taken to ensure safe blood transfusion. Wife of Governor Punjab is rendering great services towards control of hepatitis. We are making all out efforts to make Pakistan a hepatitis free country. As per vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar we are improving health services for people of Pakistan.” WHO World Representative for Pakistan Dr. Palitha Mahipala said the Punjab government is on right track towards controlling hepatitis. He appreciated Dr. Yasmin Rashid for making tireless efforts despite facing illnesses.