Large protest in Spain against planned part-privatization of national health care services

A demonstrator takes part in a National health workers march during the first major demonstration of the year, in Madrid, Monday Jan. 7, 2013. The demonstration was against government-imposed austerity measures and labor reforms in the public health care sector in Madrid. Word painted on her face reads' Health.' (AP Photo/Paul White) (The Associated Press)

National health workers march during the first major demonstration of the year, in Madrid Monday Jan. 7, 2013. The demonstration was against government-imposed austerity measures and labor reforms in the public health care sector in Madrid. Main banner reads' Don't sell it, defend it' (AP Photo/Paul White) (The Associated Press)

MADRID – Thousands of Spanish medical workers and residents are marching through downtown Madrid to protest against government budget cuts and plans to partly privatize their cherished national health service.

The demonstration is the latest of several, described as a "white tide" because of the color of the medical scrubs many protesters wear.

The protesters walked Monday behind a large banner saying, "Health care is not to be sold, it's to be defended."

Health care and education are currently administered by Spain's 17 semi-autonomous regions rather than the central government. Madrid proposes selling off the management of six of 20 large public hospitals and 27 of 268 health centers.

The Spanish government argues the sell-offs and cuts are needed to secure health services during a deep recession.