KARACHI - The doctors called off their strike on Wednesday after the government assured that their salaries would be increased. The strike was ended after a meeting held in the office of the provincial finance minister, which was also attended by the minister health, secretary health, secretary finance and representatives of Young Doctors Association including their President Dr Abbas Ali Shah. The minister health and secretary health told the doctors that health department had firmed up the proposals of their demands. Since the chief minister is abroad, soon after his return the proposals will be discussed and incorporated in the next budget, they said. It may be mentioned here that the senior doctors were protesting against the proposed handing over of Jinnah Hospital and Childcare Centre to the provincial government while young doctors were on strike to press for their pay raise. The patients coming from far-flung areas of the province faced hardships due to the strike of doctors and paramedics. The government authorities have assured the doctors that their salaries would be increased in the coming budget.