Prominent Croatian Pediatrician Josip Grgurić Dies

Josip Grgurić, a distinguished Croatian pediatrician and university professor, has passed away, leaving a significant void in the nation's medical community. Grgurić dedicated his professional life to the health, protection, and rights of children, earning accolades such as the UNICEF recognition "Friend of Generations of Children."

Born in 1937, Grgurić earned his doctorate from the University of Zagreb's School of Medicine in 1981. His prolific career included authoring over 300 professional and scientific papers and several books. He served two terms as president of the Croatian Pediatric Society and founded the Croatian Society for Preventive and Social Pediatrics.

During the Croatian War of Independence, Grgurić chaired the Commission for Aid and Health Care for Children. He became a full member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Croatia in 1994 and was awarded the Order of Danica Hrvatska with the effigy of Katarina Zrinska by the President of the Republic.

Grgurić's clinical career at the University Hospital for Children Zagreb, where he started in 1972, included founding and leading the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. He also served as director of the Institute for the Protection of Mothers and Children and head of the Department of Pediatrics. After retiring in 2006, he was granted the honorary title of distinguished scientist.