"Record-Breaking Junior Doctors' Strike in England: The Impact on NHS Services"
Junior doctors in England have commenced the longest strike in NHS history, causing significant disruption to routine services due to unresolved pay disputes. The strike, which is expected to involve thousands of doctors, follows failed negotiations for increased wages, with the British Medical Association (BMA) seeking a 35% raise to compensate for below-inflation increases since 2008. NHS England warns of the strike's impact on patient care during a particularly challenging period marked by high rates of respiratory illnesses and staff sickness. The government urges doctors to return to negotiations, while the BMA insists on a credible offer.