At least 5,000 Russians have marched in a protest against plans to lay off thousands of doctors and close hospitals in Moscow.

Doctors, patients and other protesters braved the freezing cold on Sunday to voice their opposition to an ongoing Moscow health care reform that could remove up to 10,000 doctors from their jobs and close 28 hospital and clinics by early next year.

Many of the protesters were dressed in white coats over their winter jackets. Some carried banners with the names of the hospitals that are being closed.

"Save money on war, but not on doctors," one banner read.

Authorities defend the reform as a much-needed step to modernize a decrepit Soviet-era health care system and close down hospitals that are deemed inefficient.