Amid a raging superflu pandemic across the United Kingdom, junior doctors in England voted on Monday (Dec. 15) to initiate a five-day strike starting today (Dec. 17). This marks the 14th healthcare workers' strike since March 2023. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly condemned the move as irresponsible, stating that doctors have lost the sympathy of the public and their colleagues in the National Health Service (NHS).
Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned that, with flu cases surging, the NHS is facing its most severe challenge since the COVID-19 pandemic began. He pointed out that infection numbers could double before flu cases peak, admitting that the current chaotic and overcrowded conditions in hospitals are already unacceptable.
The UK government has urged doctors to end their strike and return to work, but the British Medical Association (BMA), representing junior doctors, claims negotiations have stalled. While the government approved a 28.9% pay increase last year, the BMA is seeking an additional 26% to restore fair pay after years of below-inflation raises. During the strike, the NHS will manage emergencies and critical cases with senior doctors, but non-urgent surgeries and appointments may be postponed.
This strike coincides with a notable increase in flu cases, with the NHS reporting a 55% rise in hospitalizations last week, averaging 2,660 per day. Frontline workers indicated that the strike stems from years of growing pressure. In response to the government's calls to stop the strike, the BMA argued that persistent issues with staffing and pay have left doctors with no choice but to protest.
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