Arabic version: أطباء الإقامة في أيرلندا الشمالية يطلقون إضرابًا لمدة 24 ساعة بسبب نزاع الأجور
Resident doctors in Northern Ireland have initiated a 24-hour strike action over pay, beginning at 07:00 BST on Monday and concluding at 06:59 on Tuesday. This industrial action follows a strike by consultants and specialist doctors last week, marking the first strike for these groups in the region. According to BBC News, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt expressed his commitment to implementing this year’s pay award but stated he is currently unable to do so without an agreed budget.
Dr. David Farren, chairman of the British Medical Association’s (BMA) Northern Ireland consultants committee, noted that the resident doctor strike would be a “full walk out” rather than a limited cover, as was the case during the previous strike. Picket line demonstrations are taking place at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Craigavon Area Hospital, and Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry.
The BMA conducted a ballot over four weeks, resulting in 92% of resident doctors, 79% of consultants, and 90% of SAS doctors voting in favor of strike action. The unions cited over 18 years of pay erosion and rejected a recommended 3.5% pay uplift from an independent pay body.
Dr. Steven Montgomery, chair of the BMA’s Northern Ireland resident doctors committee, emphasized that the appeal of better pay and conditions abroad is leading to a loss of doctors in Northern Ireland. He described the current situation as a “perfect storm” for the health service, urging the government to engage urgently and meaningfully to prevent further strike actions.
Farren highlighted that Northern Ireland’s doctors are the lowest paid in these islands, and despite ongoing negotiations, they have been compelled to take unprecedented strike action. He warned of inevitable cancellations of operations and outpatient appointments, while still prioritizing patient safety. Farren described the situation as an existential threat to the health service, noting the burnout among hospital consultants and the need for immediate action to address these issues.
