Doctors in England are set to go on a five-day strike starting this week, despite the surge in flu cases, after rejecting the government’s latest offer on working conditions. The British Medical Association (BMA) announced that 83% of resident doctors voted against the proposal, citing concerns over pay and training opportunities.
The strike comes at a critical time, with the National Health Service (NHS) facing unprecedented pressure due to a virulent strain of flu, dubbed the “super flu”. Flu hospitalizations have jumped 55% in a week, with an average of 2,660 patients in hospital each day, the highest level for this time of year.
Health Minister Wes Streeting has appealed to doctors to call off the strike, warning it will put patients at risk and exacerbate the NHS crisis. Prime Minister Keir Starmer branded the move “irresponsible”, saying doctors have “lost the sympathy” of the public.
The BMA argues that resident doctors’ pay is still 20% lower than in 2008, adjusted for inflation, and demands a 29% pay rise to restore salaries. The government has offered a 22% pay rise, which the BMA deems insufficient.
