Doctors in England hold longest NHS strike

Hospital doctors in England began on Wednesday their longest strike in the seven decades since Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) was founded, AFP reported.

According to the news agency, junior doctors will strike for six days as a continuation of their long-running pay dispute with the government.

This strike is scheduled during one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS, as it faces increased pressure from respiratory illnesses during the winter season.

This action also comes a few days after a three-day strike held by doctors before Christmas.

According to AFP, NHS said that the latest walkout would have “a significant impact on almost all routine care.”

“This January could be one of the most difficult starts to the year the NHS has ever faced,” said the NHS national medical director, Stephen Powis.

The strike starts at 7:00 am (0700 GMT) and is due to end at the same time on Tuesday January ninth.