File photo shows health workers take people's blood pressure during a commemoration event of the World Diabetes Day in kampala, capital of Uganda, Nov. 14, 2017. (Xinhua/Joseph Kiggundu)

KAMPALA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan doctors on Saturday voted to suspend their strike for three weeks following government commitment to increase salaries and improve the working conditions in public hospitals by next month.

A total of 113 doctors out of 195 who attended the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) extra-ordinary meeting held in the capital Kampala voted to suspend the strike, which has been going for the last three weeks.

Ekwaro Obuku, the UMA president, said if the government fails to honor its commitment to respond to their issues by Dec. 15, the doctors will resume the industrial action.

"We are putting government on notice. The government shouldn't take our trust for granted," said Obuku.

Obuku said the three week's time will enable the association to continue to engage with the government to resolve the issue.

David Bahati, the state minister of finance, told the medical delegates that the government is committed to increase salaries and duty allowances for the health professionals.

He said the government is only waiting for the salary review commission report to be released on Dec. 15 to effect the salary increase of all public servants.

"I am on my knees to ask you to consider and call off the strike. Let's wait for the salary review commission report. We need to solve the salary issues once for all," said Bahati before the strike was called off.

The minister said the government has already released additional 41 billion shillings (11.7 million U.S. dollars) through a supplementary budget for medical supplies, medicines, vaccines and improving management in public hospitals.

The doctors began their strike on Nov. 6 demanding increase of salary and duty allowances, review of the supply chain and management of medicines, vaccines and medical supplies.

Bahati said the government has directed the District Resident Commissioners (RDCs) to stop intimidating and harassing medical doctors.

"No doctor will be sacked. We have told the RDC's to stop it immediately," said Bahati.

The nationwide strike has paralyzed operations in most public hospitals and health facilities as doctors stayed away from their duty station, leaving many patients stranded.