Junior doctors in England begin a five-day strike over pay, adding pressure to the NHS during a significant surge in flu hospitalisations.
LONDON: Junior doctors in England began a five-day strike on Wednesday over pay and working conditions.
The walkout occurs during a significant surge in flu cases, adding pressure to the already-stretched National Health Service.
This is the latest in a series of strikes by resident doctors, who constitute nearly half of the medical workforce.
The doctors argue their pay has been eroded in real terms over more than a decade.
Health minister Wes Streeting has labelled the strikes “self-indulgent, irresponsible and dangerous”.
The government states it cannot afford to increase pay beyond the offers already made.
NHS England warned hospitals face a “worst-case scenario” from a virulent flu strain.
National medical director Meghana Pandit said more patients are likely to feel the impact of this strike round than previous ones.
Flu hospitalisations in England surged by more than 50% in early December.
The average reached 2,660 patients daily, the highest for this period, with no peak yet in sight.
The NHS said there may be fewer doctors on duty, requiring staff to prioritise life-saving emergency care.
This means patients with less urgent conditions could face longer waits, and some appointments will be rescheduled.
Last year, the new Labour government agreed a 22% pay rise to end a dispute that began under the Conservatives.
After being awarded another 5.4% rise this year, the conflict flared again.
The British Medical Association is now seeking a 29% increase to restore pay to 2008 levels in real terms.
A last-ditch government offer of better training options was overwhelmingly rejected by BMA members. – Reuters
