Doctors living in England began a four-day strike on Tuesday, demanding better wages, which has threatened to change patient care in the National Health Service (NHS, an acronym in English).

It is estimated that around 350,000 medical appointments, including surgeries, will be canceled due to this forceful measure supported by professional members of the British Medical Association (BMA).

The strike centered on a wage dispute between BMA and the Government, as claimed by the union The UK-based doctor has seen a 26% pay cut in real terms since 2008 due to under-inflation pay rises -currently at 10.1%-.

The government considers a high salary increase unaffordable, around 35%, to renew wages.

The BMA warns that salary issues make it difficult to recruit and retain medical residents.

NHS England chief medical officer Stephen Powis has warned of that the strike could put “immense pressure” on staff and patient care services.

The NHS in England has asked medical staff to prioritize emergency care over other appointments to ensure people in life-threatening situations are treated.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay told the media it was “deeply disappointed that the BMA has called a strike for the fourth day in a row.”

“Strikes not only endanger patient safetybut also scheduled to cause maximum disruption after the Easter holidays,” he added.

“I was hoping to start official wage negotiations with BMA last month, but… your request for a 35% raise is unreasonable“, he insisted.

There have been successive strikes by resident doctors who have in recent months been supported by workers from other sectors – such as railways, airport security or nursing – demanding a raise.