Atkins’ Attack on Junior Doctors Sparks Outrage
Health Secretary Accused of Insulting Medics
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has come under fire for her comments about junior doctors, who are planning to strike over pay and working conditions. Atkins said she was "disappointed" by the decision to strike, which she said would have a "damaging impact" on the NHS.
Her remarks have been condemned by the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents junior doctors. BMA chairman Dr. Mark Porter said Atkins' comments were "insulting" and showed a "complete lack of understanding" of the pressures facing junior doctors.
Atkins has since defended her comments, saying that she was "simply stating the facts" about the impact of the strike. However, her remarks have further strained relations between the government and the BMA, which is already in dispute with the government over a new contract for junior doctors.
Atkins Urges Doctors to End Strike
In a further development, Atkins has called on junior doctors to end their strike and return to work. She said that the strike was "unnecessary" and that there was still time to resolve the dispute through negotiation.
However, the BMA has said that it will not call off the strike unless the government meets its demands. The BMA is calling for a number of changes to the new contract, including a reduction in working hours and an increase in pay.
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