In about 37 years doctors are taking industrial action for the first time and the issue is over their pensions. And they are doing this despite an attempt made by ministers at the last minute to dissuade them from doing so.

Doctors saw Health Secretary Andrew Lansley pleading with them for not to take any such step.

He told the doctors that this step of their will not be of any use so they must not take part in a pointless strike.

According to NHS leaders, patients should be kept away from all this.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said, "Its members did not want to participate in the day of action but feel that there is "no other option left" to make their voices heard."

Last month it was decided by the BMA that they will take this action and it accused ministers of pressing ahead with `totally unjustified' increases to pension contributions and a later retirement age for doctors even though a deal on pensions was agreed four years ago.

There was a clear majority seen in a ballot that made the union announce the move and there was a turnout of about 50 per cent.

According to the BMA, work that is not urgent will get postponed but doctors will make sure that patient safety is prioritized.