Junior Doctors in England Strike Over Pay During Busy Holiday Season, Posing Challenges for Hospitals

Junior doctors in England have commenced a 72-hour strike over pay levels, causing significant disruption in the National Health Service (NHS) with thousands of appointments and procedures postponed or canceled. Seeking a 35% pay rise to address years of below-inflation increases, the doctors are the backbone of the NHS workforce. The government is offering an average increase of 8.8%, but the doctors argue that this is insufficient to prevent a staff exodus. The strike will be followed by a six-day walkout early next year, the longest in the NHS's history. NHS leaders express disappointment and warn of the challenging period ahead due to rising flu and COVID cases.