Ireland's junior doctors stop work: Junior doctors in the Republic of Ireland have decided on a national, one day strike on 17 May as the first step in their industrial action for better pay and working conditions. The doctors have also threatened rolling strikes over the following weeks. They say they will provide emergency cover.
Nestlé to audit marketing practices in Pakistan: Nestlé has commissioned an unrestricted external audit of the infant formula marketing practices of its company, Nestlé Milkpak, in Pakistan. The study was commissioned to determine the company's compliance with the World Health Organization's code of marketing of breast milk substitutes and identify any need for changes.
DNA sequence of human chromosome 21 is published: The DNA sequence of human chromosome 21 is published electronically in Nature this week (www.nature.com). The mapping shows that chromosome 21 may have as few as 225 active genes. Analysis of these genes may lead to a greater understanding of Down's syndrome.
Audit to look at caesarean rates in England and Wales: An audit of the rates of caesarean section in England and Wales is being undertaken by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, funded by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. The rate rose from 11.3% in 1989-90 to an estimated 17% in 1997-8.
UK government launches consultation exercise: Health ministers started the biggest consultation exercise in the history of the NHS this week. They are to consult NHS staff and the general public in England through meetings and surveys.