In England, specialist doctors, general practitioners and assistant physicians, who have been in conflict with the government for a long time over salary increases, stopped work on the same day for the “first time”. While approximately 24 thousand specialist doctors in the country went on a 2-day strike yesterday, 61 thousand general practitioners and assistant physicians started a 3-day work stoppage today. Thus, for the first time in the country’s history, specialist doctors, general practitioners and assistant physicians went on strike together on the same day. It was stated that only emergency services will be provided during the doctors’ work stoppage.
The decision to strike by specialists and general practitioners on the same day brought about comments that the wage dispute between the government and healthcare workers was escalating. Specialist doctors, who demand an increase above inflation, are going on strike for the third time this year, and general practitioners and assistant physicians who want a 35 percent wage increase are going on strike for the sixth time.
“THE GOVERNMENT REJECTS THE NEGOTIATIONS”
Doctors who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA), who stopped working due to the ongoing dispute with the government over the wage increase, held a demonstration in front of the University College Hospital (UCL) in the capital London. Carrying banners saying “Applause does not pay the bills”, “Regulate doctors’ salaries” and “Protect the future of the healthcare system”, specialists and general practitioners called on the government for a “fair and reasonable” wage increase.
BMA representative Dr. Arjan Singh stated that there has been a 26 percent cut in payments to doctors in the last 15 years and said, “Therefore, we are going on strike to reverse the payment cut.” he said. Stating that the government has already offered an 8 percent increase to doctors, Singh said, “This is far behind what it should be. We want doctors to be paid 20 pounds per hour, and this is a very reasonable request.” he said. Singh continued: “(Doctors’ mass strike) I think it shows unity among all the doctors who are in the workforce right now. It’s not just general practitioners here, it’s not just specialist doctors here. We’re all here together. What we’re defending here is one profession.” .”
BMA Committee Member Dr. Sumi Manirajan also commented that the reason why doctors had to escalate their work stoppages was because the government refused to negotiate. “The last time any minister of the government met us was 140 days ago. We want them to meet and negotiate with us. I think this is the only way to end this dispute,” Manirajan said. said.
Thousands of specialist doctors in the country went on strike for the “first time in 50 years” and staged a 48-hour work stoppage on July 20 due to their disagreement with the government regarding wage increases and working conditions.
