London, 11 apr. Doctors residing in England began a four-day strike on Tuesday, demanding better wages, which threatens to alter patient care in the National Health Service (NHS, acronym in English).
It is estimated that some 350,000 medical appointments, including operations, will be canceled due to the forceful measure supported by these professional members of the British Medical Association (BMA).
Today’s strike is centered on a pay dispute between the BMA and the government, as the union claims UK-based doctors have seen a 26% pay cut in real terms since 2008 because pay increases have been under below inflation -currently at 10.1%-.
The Government considers a strong salary increase unaffordable, around 35%, to update salaries.
The BMA warns that the salary problem is making it difficult to recruit and retain medical residents.
England’s NHS chief medical officer Stephen Powis has warned that the strike may put “immense pressure” on staff and patient care services.
The NHS in England has asked medical staff to prioritize emergency care over other appointments to ensure people in life-threatening situations are cared for.
Health Minister Steve Barclay has told the media that it is “extremely disappointing that the BMA has called a strike for four consecutive days.”
“The strikes will not only put patient safety at risk, but are also timed to cause maximum disruption after the Easter holidays,” he added.
“I had hoped to start formal wage negotiations with the BMA last month, but their demand for a 35% wage increase is unreasonable,” he stressed.
This strike by resident doctors takes place after others that in recent months have been supported by workers from other sectors -such as the railway, airport security or nurses- demanding a salary increase. EFE
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