The NHS is facing a major crisis with the planned strike action by junior doctors next week. This could be disastrous for the progress being made in tackling the hospital waiting backlog. This is a situation that could have been avoided if the government had taken action to address the underlying issues that have led to the strike.

Doctors are some of the most valuable members of the healthcare system and are essential for providing the quality of care that patients rely on. However, they have been undervalued for years and have faced increasing workloads, with salaries not keeping up with their rising responsibilities. This is not only unfair, but it also creates a dangerous situation where doctors are overstretched and unable to provide the best possible care.

We need to increase salaries of doctors and show them the appreciation they deserve. This is an issue that needs to be addressed quickly and the government should take immediate action to ensure that junior doctors are given the pay and respect they deserve.

The NHS can only continue to provide the best possible care if junior doctors are not overworked and undervalued. A strike is not the ideal solution, but it is a sign of desperation and a lack of respect for the hardworking professionals who help keep the UK's healthcare system running. If the government does not act soon, the consequences for the hospital waiting backlog could be dire.