Anti-reservation demonstrators shout slogans during a protest rally in New Delhi

Medical professionals in India protesting against a caste quota have been joined by professionals from other fields, as demonstrations continue in the capital.

Thousands of professionals marched in New Delhi Saturday, denouncing a government plan to reserve more college seats for lower castes.

In addition to attending rallies, doctors and medical students who work in public healthcare facilities are on strike.

The work stoppage has lasted for about a week. It is forcing thousands of hospital patients to go without treatment or to seek treatment at costly, private hospitals.

The government plans to more than double the percentage of places reserved for lower caste students in state-funded medical, engineering and other professional colleges.

Critics say the change will reduce the number of slots for students competing on merit and will hurt educational and professional standards.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.