WMA Adds its Support for Junior Doctors’ Action

The World Medical Association has added its support to the junior doctors in England who went on a one-day strike today over the British Government’s plans to impose a new contract on them.

WMA President Sir Michael Marmot said it was WMA policy that physicians might carry out protest action and sanctions in order to improve direct and indirect working conditions that might also affect patient care.

‘In this case it is clear that patient care would suffer in the long term if the Government’s proposals to change the working hours of junior doctors goes ahead.

‘We note the widespread support given to junior doctors among the public and across the National Health Service and we would urge the British Government to establish a new working relationship with junior doctors. It is essential that trust is restored on both sides for the sake of patient care’.