LONDON: Thousands of junior doctors across England have launched their 11th strike on Thursday, intensifying a prolonged standoff with the government over pay and working conditions. This latest walkout, affecting hospital services, comes just days before the UK general election on July 4, highlighting the dire state of the National Health Service (NHS), a critical issue for voters.

Junior doctors, integral to hospital care, have been embroiled in a pay dispute with the government since late 2022. Earlier this year, they staged a record-breaking six-day strike in January, leading to widespread cancellation of appointments and surgeries. The current strike, spanning five days from Thursday to Tuesday, underscores their ongoing grievances amidst a crucial political moment.

The British Medical Association (BMA), representing the doctors, asserts that junior doctors' pay has plummeted by a quarter over the last 15 years. They are demanding a 35 percent pay increase to address these disparities. Initial salaries for newly qualified doctors hover around £15 ($19) per hour, significantly below the UK minimum wage, with incremental increases thereafter.

Dr. Sumi Manirajan, deputy chair of the junior doctors committee at the BMA, voiced concerns over years of underinvestment leading to a mass exodus of talented doctors to countries offering better compensation. She highlighted the strain on those who remain, describing them as overworked and undervalued amidst patient backlogs and prolonged waiting times.

The Conservative government contends that it raised doctors' salaries by 8.1 percent to 10.3 percent last year, deeming it a substantial offer. However, with negotiations stalled during the pre-election period, the dispute remains unresolved, prompting ongoing strikes despite government appeals.

Manirajan criticized the timing of the election amidst the unresolved dispute, lamenting the government's failure to address crucial healthcare issues before calling for elections. The BMA has engaged in discussions with the Labour Party, currently leading in polls, seeking a resolution that ensures NHS recovery in the upcoming Parliament.

As the strikes continue, healthcare analysts warn of significant challenges ahead for any party seeking to improve NHS performance without first resolving the doctors' grievances.

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