UK junior doctors to stage further strikes
Thousands of British junior doctors are set to stage three further walkouts over an ongoing dispute about a contract set forth by the government.
The British Medical Association (BMA) said that the three 48-hour strikes will take place in March and April after Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced his intention to force through the contact to 45,000 workers despite fears it will "seriously undermine" the NHS. During the strikes, emergency cover will be provided.
Prime Minister David Cameron described the BMA’s decision as “regrettable.”
The dispute between two sides is fast becoming the bitterest breakdown in relations between the government and medical profession since the NHS was created.
The doctors held two strikes this year - one in January and one in February. Both lasted just 24 hours.
"The government must put patients before politics, get back around the table and find a negotiated solution to this dispute," BMA junior doctor leader Johann Malawana said.
But Chief Executive of NHS Employers Danny Mortimer said it is disappointing that the BMA has decided to announce further industrial action despite the majority of the BMA’s concerns being addressed and reflected in the final contract.
“This disruption to patient care is unnecessary. I strongly believe that the final contract is safe, fair and reasonable. For the sake of the NHS, and patients I urge all junior doctors to take a look at the contract in detail before taking part in any future action,” he said.
The BMA represents 38,000 junior doctors, 98% of whom voted to strike in the November ballot.
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