Hospital doctors in England commenced their lengthiest consecutive strike on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in the seven-decade history of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS). Junior doctors, those below the consultant level, initiated a six-day walkout, intensifying their prolonged pay dispute with the United Kingdom government.
This industrial action unfolds during one of the NHS’s busiest periods, confronting heightened pressure from winter respiratory illnesses. The strike closely follows a three-day protest held by doctors just before Christmas. The NHS anticipates that the latest walkout, with potentially up to half of the medical workforce on picket lines, will significantly impact almost all routine care.
Stephen Powis, the national medical director of the NHS, expressed concerns, stating, “This January could be one of the most difficult starts to the year the NHS has ever faced.” The strike began at 7:00 am (0700 GMT) and is scheduled to conclude at the same time on Tuesday, January 9.
