TAIPEI, Apr 20 (AP) -- Thousands of Taiwanese doctors and nurses took to the streets of Taipei on Wednesday to protest spending limits on the national health insurance budget, which they say threaten their livelihood.

Under the budget, medical institutions receive a fixed sum for patients covered by health insurance, while at the same time the government is encouraging patients to visit smaller clinics.

Medical associations say that as a result, the number of patients at the smaller hospitals has gone up but the money the facilities received from the health authorities has not.

The protesters claimed the limits in reimbursements -- aimed at bringing insurance costs under control -- will force dozens of smaller clinics and community hospitals to close.

The government took a conciliatory tone with the protesters, saying it was willing to listen to their complaints and invited medical associations to join negotiations on future budgets.

Many of the protesters weaving their way past government buildings were wearing white coats and purple headbands bearing the slogan: "Take care of the people, save health insurance, abolish the global budget."

A delegation of marchers handed petitions to lawmakers and government officials.