By Maryam Ahmad
Thousands of doctors across England began a five-day strike on Friday, marking the 13th walkout in three years by resident doctors. The unprecedented action threatens to intensify pressure on the British government as it struggles to reduce long hospital waiting lists.
Resident doctors — qualified medical professionals still in specialist training — are demanding pay restoration, arguing that their earnings have declined by approximately 20% in real terms since 2008. The British Medical Association (BMA), which represents doctors, insists that the strike is necessary to address long-standing pay erosion and poor working conditions.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the action, accusing the BMA of behaving “like a cartel” and holding the government to ransom. Despite the government’s claims of financial constraints, official figures show that resident doctors’ salaries have increased by 29% over the past three years.
The walkout, which comes just weeks before the busy winter season for the National Health Service (NHS), is expected to cause the cancellation of tens of thousands of appointments and procedures. With patient backlogs already high, public frustration is likely to mount as the dispute drags on.