Five-day doctor strike will go ahead, says BMA

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that the planned five-day strike by junior doctors in England will go ahead as scheduled. This decision comes despite a plea from the Health Secretary to call off the strikes and continue negotiations. The BMA has stated that the strike, which is set to take place from March 13 to March 17, will proceed as planned. The union has cited the government's unwillingness to address the concerns of junior doctors, including issues related to pay and working conditions, as the reason for the strike. The Health Secretary has expressed disappointment with the BMA's decision, arguing that the strike will put patients at risk and disrupt the healthcare system. However, the BMA has maintained that the strike is a necessary measure to draw attention to the challenges faced by junior doctors and to secure a fair and reasonable contract. The impending strike is likely to have a significant impact on the delivery of healthcare services in England during the affected period.