UK junior doctors strikes "very damaging"
British health secretary warns that the strikes by junior doctors in England could be "very damaging" for patients.
The warning comes after the British Medical Association called for three-walkouts - the first next Tuesday - after talks between two sides broke down.
This means that thousands of non-emergency operations and hospital appointments will be cancelled in the coming days. The BMA said the decision was made after the government failed to address their concerns.
Now Jeremy Hunt says the strikes are "unnecessary" as the talks are making progress.
"It is extremely disappointing that the BMA have chosen to take industrial action which helps no-one," he added.
Media reports say, the British Medical Association agreed to cancel three strikes last month to re-enter talks with the government. Several weeks of negotiations took place in the lead up to Christmas and then they reconvened on Monday for another attempt.
The National Health Service has 45,000 trainee doctors in England, a majority of whom belong to the BMA. The doctors are angry about new contracts to be implemented next year, which will see a cut in the number of shifts classed as "unsociable" and paid at the premium rate.
A recent online survey shows, a majority of junior doctors say they would prefer to leave the NHS, if the health secretary pushes through the proposal.
The poll has prompted warnings that such an exodus would leave the country’s health sector unable to function, given young medics’ key role in delivering care.
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