The patients who waited for their turn to consult the doctor at the OP department in Kochi Amrita Hospital were surprised when a group of people dressed as clowns appeared in front of them. Soon, surprise gave way to laughter and joy when the clown doctors or the medical clowns began singing and dancing. They played clarinet and violin and danced happily to bring a smile to the face of the patients.

French theatre artists Pina Blancwurt, Emma, Fabianna, Silvie, Jerome, and Christof have been entertaining the patients at this hospital as medical clowns since December 28. Medical clowns are commonly seen in hospitals in foreign countries. They don the colourful attire of clowns, sing, dance and give gifts to the children. Pina Blancwurt who has been working as a medical clown in France for the last 32 years says that she feels happy when she can reduce the stress of the bystanders at the hospital.

An ancient practice
The practice of using entertainment to heal patients dates back centuries, according to experts. There are historical records of jesters being present in hospitals as far back as ancient times. However, the modern practice of the same began in the late 20th century. Danish performer Michael Christensen, who founded the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit in 1986, is one of the modern pioneers of the practice. Bringing trained clowns to medical clinics, his initiative offered distraction and emotional support to pediatric patients. Its success inspired the practice in other parts of the world as well.

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