Thousands of resident doctors in England have commenced a five-day strike over disputes concerning low pay, marking the 13th instance of industrial action by doctors since March 2023. The latest strike began on Friday morning at 7 a.m., prompting health leaders to issue warnings that the prolonged disruption could significantly impact frontline services, leading to a reduction in available appointments and operations.

Organizations representing hospitals in England, including the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, have highlighted that these strikes are exacerbating pressure on already strained budgets within the National Health Service (NHS). Reports from the previous strike in July indicated a substantial cost of £300 million to the health service. The groups collectively stated that patients would endure longer waiting times, potentially struggling to work without necessary treatment, and noted that the strikes could impede ongoing efforts to reduce existing waiting lists.

According to The Guardian of London, the last strike resulted in more than 54,000 procedures and appointments being either cancelled or rescheduled, despite the NHS managing to maintain 93% of its planned activities. Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “There is no doubt that patients will bear the brunt of this disruption, with tens of thousands of tests, appointments, and operations likely to be delayed or cancelled.” He further warned that with the onset of flu season, these strikes risk leaving the NHS in a precarious position through a difficult winter, hindering its recovery efforts and implementation of long-term reforms.

In response to the demands, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has reportedly refused to authorize further pay increases for doctors, citing that they have already received nearly a 30% rise over the past three years. However, the British Medical Association (BMA) maintains that resident doctors require a 26% pay increase to adequately keep pace with inflation. The union has also issued a directive that striking doctors should not be compelled to return to work to cover scheduled hospital activities unless alternative arrangements have been firmly established.