Wes Streeting criticized the doctors’ union for seeking to have others cover the costs of their increased salaries before an upcoming strike. The Health Secretary expressed strong frustration with the British Medical Association (BMA), likening their actions to that of a cartel. The BMA’s resident doctors are set to initiate a five-day strike as the possibility of tax increases is being pondered in the upcoming Autumn budget.
Addressing attendees at the NHS Providers annual conference in Manchester, Mr. Streeting highlighted the financial challenges faced by the NHS and the resistance from certain groups, including the BMA, against higher taxes to fund doctors’ salaries. He emphasized the need for wealthier individuals to contribute more to support the healthcare system.
Accusing the BMA of jeopardizing the NHS’s future, Mr. Streeting reassured that the government would not yield to their demands and criticized the union’s conduct as being detrimental to the healthcare sector. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the NHS’s improvement despite the challenges posed by the BMA’s actions.
In response to the impending strike, Mr. Streeting and NHS England’s Sir Jim Mackey instructed hospitals to maintain essential services to safeguard patient well-being. While urging resident doctors to reconsider the strike, Mr. Streeting emphasized that the government would continue efforts to enhance the NHS, highlighting recent pay increases for doctors.
Despite calls from the BMA for a pay rise, Mr. Streeting stood firm on the current pay levels, emphasizing the government’s dedication to advancing healthcare services. The strike, scheduled to commence on November 14, is expected to impact numerous appointments, with the BMA citing pay erosion since 2008 as a key concern.
Mr. Streeting highlighted the recent pay increases for doctors and emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to address doctors’ concerns independently from the BMA. The BMA stressed the need for fair compensation and job security for doctors, advocating for constructive dialogue with the government to reach a mutually beneficial resolution.