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August 11, 2023 UK Govt Accuses Striking Doctors Of Harming Patients

UK Govt Accuses Striking Doctors Of Harming Patients

A fresh wave of discontent swept through England's healthcare system as hospital doctors commenced a four-day walkout, demanding a significant 35 percent pay increase.

However, this strike has raised concerns, with the government arguing that it "serves only to harm patients."

The ongoing industrial action has not only strained patient care but also imposed a substantial financial burden on the publicly funded health service, estimated to have incurred a staggering cost of £1 billion ($1.2 billion).

A pivotal demographic within the UK's hospitals, junior doctors, who represent around half of the physician workforce, embarked on their fifth round of strikes, initiating the walkout at 7:00 am (0600 GMT) and scheduling it to conclude at 7:00 am on Tuesday.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay expressed his firm disapproval of the doctors' actions, particularly those who have rejected the government's proposed pay increase of six percent along with a one-off payment of £1,250. In an op-ed for the Daily Mail, he criticized the British Medical Association (BMA), the representative body for junior doctors, accusing them of acting recklessly.

Barclay emphasized that the strike's repercussions were detrimental to patients and exacerbated the strain on medical staff.

However, on the picket lines outside central London hospitals, doctors claimed that they felt compelled to strike due to the government's refusal to engage in negotiations.

Junior doctor Sumi Manirajan asserted, "Doctors are working tirelessly to bring waiting lists down. The government are the ones who refuse to come to the table." Manirajan, also the deputy co-chair of the BMA's junior doctor committee, highlighted the dire staffing situation and the strain it has placed on the healthcare workforce.

The healthcare sector, grappling with an unprecedented pandemic backlog, is witnessing record patient waiting times. The NHS reported that in June alone, a record 7.6 million people in England were awaiting routine hospital treatment.

According to Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, the series of strikes led by junior doctors has inflicted a monumental financial toll, amounting to £1 billion ($1.2 billion) due to hospitals having to pay "premium rates to consultants" to cover for the striking doctors. This exacerbates the already precarious financial state of the NHS.

While the BMA argues that junior doctors have experienced a 26 percent drop in take-home pay over the last 15 years, the government contends that their demands are economically unsustainable.

The broader healthcare workforce, including nurses and ambulance staff, has also joined picket lines, intensifying the pressure on the NHS.

Throughout the economy, various workers have resorted to strikes over the past year, seeking salary increases in response to a generation-defining cost of living crisis.

Since December, approximately 778,000 medical appointments across the NHS have been postponed due to strike actions, according to NHS figures. Health Secretary Barclay emphasized that such disruptions are counterproductive and reiterated that the government's pay offer, declared in mid-July, is more generous compared to offers for other public sector staff.

Despite the government's declaration that the pay offer is final, the BMA has been urged to drop their pay demands "immediately."

August 10, 2023 Marketers Predict Upcoming Increase in Cooking Gas Prices Next Week

Marketers Predict Upcoming Increase in Cooking Gas Prices Next Week

Gas consumers are set to face more challenging times ahead as market insiders have signalled an impending price increase slated for next week.

 Olatunbosun Oladapo, President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, delivered the news, advising gas users to prepare for elevated costs in the coming days.

Oladapo attributed this potential price surge to a confluence of factors, including escalating international rates, elevated tax levels, increased vessel expenses, foreign exchange scarcity, and the devaluation of the naira.

 "The price adjustment is set to commence next week due to the recent surge in international prices, combined with the increased expenses related to shipping and the burden of high taxes," he stated.

He further noted that despite these rising costs, consumers' earning power remained unchanged, leading to a significant strain on their budgets. "Consumers, intermediaries, and retailers are all grappling with the impact of these changes, as business activities have taken a downturn," Oladapo explained.

Expressing his concern, Oladapo described the forthcoming price hike as regrettable, particularly considering the current economic climate. He commented, "This situation is unfortunate as prices continue to climb. Nigerian consumers are undergoing immense hardship as gas affordability becomes a challenge."

The situation has led some consumers to revert to more traditional cooking methods like firewood, charcoal, and sawdust. Oladapo emphasised the need for government intervention to alleviate the burden on the masses, suggesting measures such as palliatives, tax reductions, and levies.

Highlighting the impact of taxation on the industry, he stated, "For every 1kg of gas priced at N700, taxes account for N3.50. This diminishes the returns for businesses substantially." Oladapo advocated a shift towards taxing profits rather than products, as consumers find it increasingly difficult to afford gas.

In conclusion, he urged marketers who can source products locally to consider the plight of consumers when determining prices. The call for a balanced approach, considering both business realities and the welfare of consumers, rings loud in the face of the impending price changes.

August 10, 2023 Bayern Munich Deal Agreed As Harry Kane Prepares For Transfer From Tottenham

Bayern Munich Deal Agreed As Harry Kane Prepares For Transfer From Tottenham

In a significant development, Bayern Munich has finalised an agreement to acquire England's captain, Harry Kane, from Tottenham. Despite indications that Kane might opt to remain with Tottenham, he now faces a crucial decision. This move, anticipated to come with a substantial price tag, will surpass Bayern's previous record transfer expenditure.

As Kane's contract with Tottenham is set to expire next summer, he has been keen to have his future resolved before Tottenham's opening match of the Premier League season against Brentford on August 13th. Despite his impressive performance, scoring 30 goals in the Premier League season, it was a disappointing campaign for Kane and Spurs, as they finished in eighth place and missed out on European competition. The club's trophy drought extends back to 2008.

The prospect of playing under Bayern's manager, Thomas Tuchel, awaits Kane, as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy appears open to selling the striker.

Kane is considered Tottenham's all-time leading scorer, with a remarkable record of 280 goals in 435 games. He's only 48 goals away from potentially breaking Alan Shearer's long-standing Premier League record.

Rumours are circulating that Kane's departure from Tottenham to join Bayern Munich is highly likely. This decision could significantly impact the landscape of both clubs and their respective leagues.

August 10, 2023 Niger: ECOWAS Committed To Democracy, Human Rights – President Bola Tinubu

Niger: ECOWAS Committed To Democracy, Human Rights – President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has emphasised the regional bloc’s dedication to safeguarding democracy and upholding human rights within Niger Republic.

The recent summit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja witnessed the participation of several leaders, including President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco of Guinea Bissau, President Everiste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, and President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire.

In addressing the situation, the Nigerian President highlighted the importance of ECOWAS engaging with the coup leaders in Niger’s neighbouring country to restore President Mohamed Bazoum to power.

Speaking during the ECOWAS second extraordinary session on the Niger Republic’s situation, held in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu stated, “Furthermore, to reassert our unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of Niger’s people, we must prioritise diplomatic negotiations and dialogues as the fundamental elements of our approach.”

He continued, “We need to earnestly engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in sincere discussions to persuade them to relinquish authority and reinstate President Bazoum. It’s our responsibility to explore every avenue for engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.”

Tinubu stressed that the coup in Niger has implications beyond the nation’s borders, affecting democratically elected governments across the sub-region. He noted, “As leaders of our respective countries, we must realize that the political crisis in Niger not only jeopardises the nation’s stability but also has extensive ramifications for the entire West African region.”

Upholding the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, Tinubu asserted, can lead to the restoration of peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger, ultimately fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.

Following Tinubu’s remarks, the summit proceeded into a closed-door session.

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