BMA hails ‘solid support’ for junior doctors’ strike

The British Medical Association (BMA) has welcomed the "solid support" that junior doctors have received over their decision to stage industrial action this week.

More than 150 pickets and meet-the-doctor events were held across England on January 12th, which the BMA said should send the government a "clear message" about the dissatisfaction over proposed contractual changes.

Although expressing regret over the disruption caused by the strike action, the association condemned the government for its attempts to "bully" striking doctors back into work, and for its inflexible stance over the contract standoff.

Specifically, health secretary Jeremy Hunt has been criticised for attempting to push through contract changes that would remove safeguards preventing junior doctors from being forced to work dangerously long hours without breaks.

Dr Johann Malawana, the BMA's junior doctors committee chair, said: "Junior doctors in their thousands have made it quite clear what they think of the government's plans to impose contracts in which junior doctors have no confidence."

Further strike action is planned for January 26th and February 10th unless progress is made on the stalled contract negotiations.