Indian-Origin Doctor Calls On UK Ministers To Hold Talks Amid Strike Action

The BMA has been asking for an extra 35 per cent to make up for what they say are below-inflation pay rises dating back to 2008.

An Indian-origin medic and co-chair of the medical association's junior doctors' panel on Wednesday called on the UK government to get around the negotiating table as his colleagues began a six-day strike, the longest in Britain's health service history.

Dr Vivek Trivedi, co-chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) Junior Doctors Committee, told the BBC that ministers must come forward with a credible pay offer so they can call off the strikes.

The National Health Service (NHS) relies on thousands of junior doctors or qualified medical professionals undergoing their specialist training in hospitals, who have been taking industrial action since last year demanding better pay in line with inflation.