Some COVID-19 wards in Israel were filled with smiles and laughter as doctors dressed up as clowns to cheer up the patients. /VCG

Termed "dream doctors" or "care clowns," the medics are from the Dream Doctors Project, a unique local non-profit aiming to improve patient well-being. The organization has 100 members which cater to 200,000 patients each year. /VCG

The care clowns have continued visiting patients during the pandemic and bringing happiness to wards, although they have to wear heavy hazmat suits and goggles or face shields. /VCG

Care clowns have become a key role in Israeli healthcare service. "The management of the hospitals considers medical clowns essential workers and believes they are no less important than medical treatment," Xinhua quoted David Schilman, a care clown as saying. /VCG