The Health Minister is making it clear he's not criticising doctors over pay - but their union. 

More than $5,000 senior doctors in the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists union have been striking today. 

Simeon Brown's urging them back to the negotiating table, saying thousands of surgeries - such as hip operations and knee replacements - have had to be delayed. 

NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan questions if the doctors will accept a new offer.

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