NHS Doctors Launch First Strike in 60 Years Over Funding Dispute

Family doctors in England's NHS will commence industrial action for the first time in six decades due to funding disputes and contract changes. Over 98% of GPs voted in favor, citing an inability to provide adequate care. The new Labour government plans to hire 1,000 more GPs to address the issue.

Family doctors in the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) in England will commence industrial action for the first time in 60 years on Thursday, following overwhelming support in a recent vote over funding disputes and contract changes. The British Medical Association (BMA) revealed that over 8,500 General Practitioners (GPs) cast their votes, with 98.3% favoring collective action, which will start immediately.

This action includes GPs ceasing non-contracted work and potentially limiting patient appointments per day. According to Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of BMA's GP committee for England, "GPs are at the end of their tether. This is an act of desperation. We are witnessing general practice being broken."

The Labour government, which recently replaced the Conservative Party, has pledged to grant more autonomy to doctors' surgeries, aiming to recruit over 1,000 newly qualified GPs this year. Health Minister Wes Streeting announced an additional £82 million to facilitate this recruitment. Despite these efforts, the BMA believes a long-term solution is still necessary.

(With inputs from agencies.)