A Teddy Bear Hospital will "treat patients" in Sofia, Plovdiv and other major cities today, the Association of Medical Students in Bulgaria announced.   The initiative is aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 9. By pretending that their stuffed animals are going to the doctor, and through games and entertainment the children will learn that going to the doctor is not scary and that illness is a natural part of life.

The Teddy Bear Hospital is also useful for the students, as it helps them get to grips with children's fears and establish a doctor-patient relationship based on mutual trust and warmth.

On the day of the "check-up", each child is asked to bring his or her favourite cuddly toy and, in the role of a parent, share the complaints of their "child". Students will demonstrate basic manipulations performed during a routine examination.