Preminuo jedan od najistaknutijih hrvatskih pedijatara

Professor Josip Grgurić, one of the most distinguished pediatricians in Croatia, has passed away. The news was announced by HRT, the Croatian public broadcaster, marking the death of a medical professional who dedicated his entire career to the health, protection, and rights of children. Grgurić left a lasting impact on Croatian medicine, particularly in the fields of pediatric gastroenterology, nutrition, preventive and social pediatrics, and the promotion of a more humane approach toward children in hospitals. He also emphasized the importance of involving parents in treatment and care. Born in 1937 in Skrad, Grgurić graduated from the Medical Faculty of the University of Zagreb in 1963. He later earned both a master’s degree and a doctorate from the same institution. His specialization in pediatrics took place in Zagreb and Paris, with additional training in the field of pediatric gastroenterology. Throughout his career, he worked at the Clinic for Children's Diseases in Zagreb, formerly the Institute for the Protection of Mothers and Children, where he served as director. From 1993 to 2002, he held the position of head of the Pediatrics Clinic, and in 1988, he became a regular professor at the University of Zagreb's Medical Faculty. Grgurić authored over 300 scientific and scholarly works, including books and monographs. He led the Croatian Pediatric Society for two terms and was a founder and first president of the Croatian Society for Preventive and Social Pediatrics. As a long-term collaborator with UNICEF, he initiated several programs aimed at improving the well-being of children, such as “Rodilišta, Friends of Children,” “Smile for a Child in the Hospital,” and “Voice of the Child as a Patient.” He also participated in the “Cities and Municipalities, Friends of Children” initiative and advocated for breastfeeding, the rights of hospitalized children, and the protection of children from neglect and abuse. Throughout his career, Grgurić received numerous awards, including the UNICEF award “Friend of Generations of Children,” the Award for Promoting the Rights of the Child for Lifetime Contributions, and the Order of the White Eagle with the insignia of Catherine Zrinski. His work reflected a deep commitment to the welfare of children and their families, shaping policies and practices that continue to influence healthcare in Croatia today. His legacy extends beyond clinical practice into advocacy and education. Grgurić played a key role in raising awareness about child rights and ensuring that children’s voices were heard within the healthcare system. His efforts helped improve conditions for children in hospitals and promoted a more compassionate and inclusive approach to pediatric care. Colleagues and institutions remember him as a visionary leader who combined academic excellence with a profound sense of duty to the youngest members of society. The passing of Professor Grgurić represents a significant loss to the medical community and the broader field of child welfare. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Croatian healthcare, influencing generations of doctors and policymakers. As colleagues and friends reflect on his life and work, they honor his dedication to improving the lives of children through science, compassion, and advocacy. His legacy will endure in the continued efforts to protect and promote the well-being of children in Croatia and beyond.