The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) had to invest millions of pounds in additional resources to cover staffing shortages due to a historic strike declared this week by resident doctors and specialists demanding better pay in a context marked by the health crisis and inflation that reaches 6.8% annually. Although both groups had protested separately in previous months, this is the first time they have carried out a joint measure. Doctors have seen their salaries erode substantially and are calling for them to be restored to 2008 levels. Each group was handed a subinflationary pay rise by the Government this year, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak saying the 6% awarded plus a lump sum for resident doctors is "final". The British Medical Association (BMA) said in a statement that "it is imperative to reach an agreement to end this dispute and prevent future strikes, especially with the arrival of winter." This protest occurs after recent government legislation that determines minimum services in the event of strikes, generating friction with medical unions.