In an unprecedented move, Northern Ireland’s junior doctors launched their first-ever 24-hour strike yesterday, suspending services from hospitals and GP surgeries at 8 am. The British Medical Association Northern Ireland reported an overwhelming 97.6% support among junior doctors for the strike, citing a staggering 30% salary cut over 16 years. Current wages for junior doctors fall below £13 per hour for new recruits and under £30 per hour for experienced practitioners, with a minimum annual salary of £26,000.
Despite the government’s pledge to raise the minimum wage to £29,000, doctors argue it falls short. The association claims that the dire situation forces doctors to seek opportunities elsewhere with better pay and facilities. Protests accompanied the strike at Altnagelvin, Craigavon, Antrim, and Ulster hospitals, highlighting the urgency of addressing junior doctors’ financial concerns amidst a challenging healthcare landscape.