The recent five-day strike by junior doctors in the UK has put a spotlight on the ongoing issues within the National Health Service (NHS). The strike, which began on Thursday and ended just a few days before the upcoming elections, highlights the struggles faced by young doctors in the underfunded healthcare system.
Junior doctors, who are crucial to hospital care, have been in a pay dispute with the government since late 2022. The British Medical Association has called for a 35 percent pay increase, citing a significant drop in salaries over the past 15 years. This has led to many doctors leaving for countries with better pay, leaving those who remain overworked and underpaid.
Despite the government’s claims of offering generous pay raises, the doctors feel undervalued and are demanding fair compensation for their hard work. With the elections approaching, the future of healthcare in the UK hangs in the balance as both parties struggle to address the growing crisis within the NHS.