DEVELOPING: Doctors Launch 5-Day Strike in England, Healthcare Services on Brink of Collapse

Breaking News: Doctors Launch 5-Day Strike in England, Healthcare Services on Brink of Collapse Doctors in England have voted to go ahead with a 5-day strike starting Wednesday at 07:00, despite a new offer from the government. The British Medical Association (BMA) members voted 83-0 in favor of the strike, citing ongoing pay disputes. The strike will put immense pressure on already strained hospitals, which are battling a wave of flu. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that patients will be put at risk due to the huge pressures on hospitals. The BMA has been pushing for pay increases, arguing that resident doctors' pay is still a fifth lower than it was in 2008, once inflation is taken into account. Despite a nearly 30% pay rise in the past three years, the union claims that the government has refused to negotiate on pay. The strike comes after the government offered a fresh deal, including increasing speciality training posts and covering out-of-pocket expenses like exam fees. However, the BMA deemed the offer insufficient. The situation remains dire, with hospitals on the brink of collapse. The strike will have a significant impact on healthcare services, and patients are advised to prepare for disruptions. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.