LAHORE, Dec 4: Traffic remained suspended for more than four hours along the canal after a sit-in by young doctors for acceptance of their demands.

Doctors marched from Jinnah Hospital to Canal Road at 11:30am and blocked the road near Jinnah underpass till 4pm.

They protested non-issuance of a notification regarding 50 per cent increase in the stipend of post-graduate residents and resident house officers and also for withdrawing a notification under which a graduate of a private medical college could not take training in public hospitals.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had last month announced a 50 per cent increase after their protest.

The blockade caused massive traffic jam along the canal and adjoining arteries. Some motorists also had face-offs with doctors as the former wanted the latter to clear the way.

Outpatient departments of hospitals also remained closed which caused a great deal of inconvenience for patients. Doctors also held demonstration outside Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Services Hospital and Children’s Hospital.

They ended their protest on the assurance of Member of the Provincial Assembly Dr Saeed Elahi that their demands would be met in 24 hours. Dr Elahi said their demands were “just” and if not met he would also join them in the protest.