England Resident Doctors Begin Six-Day Strike

Resident doctors in United Kingdom===England, represented by the British Medical Association, began a six-day strike on April 7 after rejecting a government pay offer. The strike, which runs until April 13, follows a 48-hour ultimatum from Prime Minister Keir Starmer that passed without agreement. The British Medical Association argues that the government's offer, including a 3.5% pay rise, fails to address years of pay erosion and staffing pressures. Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated the offer would not improve and estimated the strike would cost the United Kingdom===National Health Service approximately £50 million per day. In response to the rejection, the government withdrew a pledge to fund 1,000 additional specialty training posts. This marks the 15th round of industrial action by resident doctors since 2023, further straining the United Kingdom===National Health Service and impacting patient waiting lists.