Junior doctors across England have begun a five-day strike, marking the latest escalation in their long-running pay dispute with the government. The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for a 35% pay rise to compensate for years of real-term wage cuts, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting urges both sides to return to negotiations.
Strike Action Escalates
The walkout, which started on Thursday, is the 11th strike by junior doctors in the current dispute. Hospitals have warned of significant disruptions, with thousands of appointments and surgeries expected to be postponed. NHS England has advised patients to seek emergency care only if absolutely necessary.
Government Calls for Talks
Newly appointed Health Secretary Wes Streeting has described the situation as "a mess" left by the previous Conservative government. While acknowledging the need for better pay, he has urged the BMA to come back to the negotiating table, stating: "The only way to resolve this dispute is through dialogue, not strikes."
BMA Stands Firm
The doctors' union maintains that junior doctors have seen their pay eroded by over 26% since 2008 due to inflation. Dr. Vivek Trivedi, co-chair of the BMA's junior doctors committee, said: "We're not asking for a pay rise - we're asking for pay restoration to 2008 levels." The union argues that better pay is essential to retain medical staff and ensure patient safety.
Impact on NHS Services
The strike comes at a challenging time for the NHS, with waiting lists at record highs and staff shortages across many specialties. NHS leaders have expressed concern about the cumulative impact of repeated industrial action on patient care and the health service's ability to recover from pandemic backlogs.
