AGP Executive Report

Newborn care breakthrough: A small study presented in Europe suggests a blood test that compares two molecules can help doctors tell bacterial from viral infection in babies under three months with fever, aiming to cut unnecessary antibiotics and hospital admissions. Hospital access & costs: Patients at Pula Hospital face new parking charges starting Oct. 1, with critics warning the fee adds stress when waiting times are unpredictable. Emergency triage update: Researchers in the Netherlands report that using a highly sensitive troponin test together with the HEART score in pre-hospital care could prevent many avoidable emergency visits for chest pain. Croatia–EU policy pressure: The European Commission opened infringement steps tied to anti-money laundering rules, including Croatia, after missed deadlines for fully transposing EU measures. War crimes justice: The IRMCT denied Jovica Stanišić’s request for early release, stressing that good prison behaviour alone isn’t enough for serious international crimes. Search for missing persons: Croatian authorities are investigating a Vukovar area (Priljevo) after reports remains may have been buried there.

Croatia Health & Safety: Croatian authorities are searching a large area in Vukovar’s Priljevo after reports that remains from the Homeland War may have been buried there, with Veterans Minister Tomo Medved saying thousands of cubic metres of soil and debris have already been examined and removed. Public Health & Policy: A new study presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress suggests that using a highly sensitive troponin test together with the HEART score during pre-hospital triage could prevent about 30% of emergency department referrals for chest pain. Mental Health & Tech: A large JAMA Pediatrics study links affective generative AI use in youth with mental health problems, warning that “emotional refuge” via AI may signal psychological distress. Environment & Health Risks: A Croatian Institute of Public Health report cited PFAS “forever chemicals” in groundwater near an illegal waste dumping site in Gospić, alongside elevated copper and lead in soil. Healthcare Case Report: Croatian doctors report a rare side effect pattern where an unusual body odor appeared with dulaglutide, faded after stopping, and returned when restarted—then did not recur after switching to semaglutide. EU Compliance: The European Commission opened infringement procedures against Croatia over failures to fully transpose parts of the revised industrial emissions and other rules, giving governments two months to respond.

Pre-hospital Care Upgrade: A Netherlands study suggests that using a highly sensitive troponin test with the HEART-score during ambulance triage could prevent about 30% of emergency department visits for chest pain. EU Health & Safety Compliance: The European Commission issued updates and letters of formal notice tied to gaps in rules, including anti-money laundering transposition—Croatia is named among countries facing enforcement steps. War Crimes Court Update: The IRMCT denied early release for convicted war criminal Jovica Stanišić, saying good prison behavior isn’t enough given the gravity of crimes. Missing Persons Search in Vukovar: Croatian authorities are investigating the Priljevo area after reports remains may be buried there, with large-scale field work underway. Croatian Health & Environment: Reports highlight PFAS “forever chemicals” and heavy metals linked to illegal toxic waste dumping in Gospić, raising local health concerns. Croatia–US Investment Push: Plenković told business leaders in New York that energy, data centres, IT, pharma and infrastructure could drive a new wave of American investment. Digital Health Security: LexisNexis announced identity proofing tools for Epic MyChart, aiming to better protect patient accounts. Travel Health Incident: A Brussels Airlines flight to Heraklion diverted to Zagreb due to an onboard medical emergency.

AI & Youth Mental Health: A large JAMA Pediatrics study links affective generative AI use—especially seeking emotional support—to mental health problems in children and teens, raising calls for better digital literacy. Chest Pain Triage: Dutch researchers say combining a high-sensitivity point-of-care troponin test with the HEART score during ambulance triage could cut avoidable emergency visits for chest pain. Croatia Health & Safety: Croatia is investigating a possible previously unknown mass grave in Vukovar’s Priljevo area, with field work involving large-scale soil and debris removal. EU Health-Related Compliance: The European Commission opened infringement steps against Croatia and other EU states over incomplete transposition of revised industrial emissions rules, with governments given two months to respond. GLP-1 Side Effects: Croatian doctors report a rare body-odor reaction tied to dulaglutide that disappeared after stopping and returned on restart, then did not recur after switching to semaglutide. Public Health & Food: Zagreb is expanding its “Organic Food in Schools” programme to include more schools and kindergartens, aiming to support healthier eating for about 21,000 children.

GLP-1 Side Effects in Focus: Croatian doctors report a rare case where a man’s unpleasant body odor appeared on dulaglutide, returned when the drug was restarted, and then disappeared again after switching to semaglutide—raising practical questions about whether switching within the same drug class can help. Local Public Health & Prevention: Dubrovnik’s Lapad Run returns this Saturday to support breast cancer prevention and early detection, with proceeds going to the Dubrovnik Cancer League; breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Croatia. Nutrition in Schools: Zagreb expands its “Organic Food in Schools” programme to include municipal kindergartens, reaching 32 schools and nine kindergartens with 49 organic products, aiming to support healthier habits and local producers. Health Equity for Seniors: New data highlights that up to 40% of Croatian retirees are at risk of poverty, with inflation hitting retirees first—especially through healthcare, utilities and medicines. Health System Tech: LexisNexis says it has added identity proofing for Epic MyChart to its integration programme, aiming to better protect patient accounts and data.

Public Health & Safety: A Brussels Airlines flight from Brussels to Heraklion diverted to Zagreb after an onboard medical emergency, with the aircraft landing around 08:00 and resuming about an hour later. Food & Nutrition: Zagreb is expanding its “Organic Food in Schools” programme, bringing organic meals to 32 schools and nine city kindergartens for roughly 21,000 children, with 49 organic products and €1.2m funding for 2024–2026. Disease Watch (Agriculture): Croatia’s vineyards are facing growing losses from flavescence dorée (grapevine yellows), spread by the American grapevine leafhopper; infected vines must be removed, and 14 counties are affected. Cancer Awareness: Dubrovnik’s Lapad Run returns on Sept. 26 to boost breast cancer prevention and early detection, with proceeds supporting the Dubrovnik Cancer League. Health & Society (Aging): New data highlights that as many as 40% of Croatian retirees are at risk of poverty, with healthcare and medicines taking a large share of spending.

Breast Cancer Awareness in Dubrovnik: The Lapad Run returns this Saturday (Sept 26) in Lapad Bay, with all registrations sold out in under two days. The event combines running and walking to push prevention and early detection, and proceeds will be donated to the Dubrovnik Cancer League. Public Health & Safety: Dubrovnik-Neretva County reports excellent sea-water quality at 121 of 127 beaches after testing Sept 7–17; none failed bathing standards. Retiree Poverty Warning: New Eurostat-based reporting says up to 40% of Croatian retirees (65+) are at risk of poverty, with retirees hit hardest by healthcare, utilities and medicines costs. Healthcare System Concern: A separate national poll highlights fear of declining public healthcare quality alongside corruption and inflation, showing health worries are tied to broader living-cost stress. Local Recovery Support: A Dubrovnik charity recital on Sept 29 will raise funds for ongoing rehabilitation after a motorcycle accident for Antun Zanini, with proceeds supporting his recovery.

UNGA Health & Safety Diplomacy: The 81st UN General Assembly opened in New York with leaders expected to focus on wars, artificial intelligence, and UN finances—while Trump again threatened Iran and diplomats watched the Iran-US track. Local Cancer Awareness: Dubrovnik’s Lapad Run returns on Sept. 26, with all registrations sold out in under two days; proceeds support the Dubrovnik Cancer League and the event spotlights breast cancer prevention and early detection. Public Health Outdoors: Dubrovnik-Neretva County reports excellent sea-water quality at 121 of 127 beaches, with no failures—good news for late-September swimmers. Healthcare Infrastructure: A new Trebinje Hospital in eastern Herzegovina opens with 223 beds, MRI/CT, and emergency/intensive care, aiming to modernize regional healthcare delivery. Wellbeing & Recovery: A Budapest wellness founder highlights contrast therapy and nervous-system regulation as demand grows for accessible recovery options. Croatia’s Health Concerns: A new HRejting poll finds Croatians fear corruption and inflation most, with 69% also worried about serious illnesses and 62% concerned about declining public healthcare quality.

Healthcare Innovation in Croatia: KBC Rijeka has performed its first digestive surgeries using the da Vinci robotic system, launching a new robotic surgery programme funded from Croatia’s state budget. Public Health & Safety: Dubrovnik-Neretva County reports excellent sea water quality at 121 of 127 beaches after its Sept 7–17 testing round, with no beaches failing standards. Mental Health & Society: A new HRejting poll finds Croatians fear corruption and the non-functioning of the rule of law most, with inflation/cost of living next; serious illnesses and poverty also rank high, alongside concerns about healthcare quality. Workplace Rights: An analysis warns that work-tracking tools can discriminate against chronically ill workers by benchmarking “productive” patterns that often exclude disabled people. Community Support: A Dubrovnik charity recital by pianist Naira Asatryan on Sept 29 will raise funds for Antun Zanini’s ongoing rehabilitation after a motorcycle accident. Immigration Policy: A new law for foreign workers in Croatia from 2027 requires Croatian language knowledge at A1.1 level to extend residence/work permits, drawing criticism from migration experts. Regional Healthcare Infrastructure: A new Trebinje Hospital in Republika Srpska opens with 223 beds and modern diagnostics, highlighting investment in modern healthcare capacity.

Robotic Surgery in Rijeka: KBC Rijeka has started its new da Vinci robotic surgery programme, performing its first digestive procedures with state-budget funding and international proctoring, a step that could expand advanced care locally. Sea Safety Update: Dubrovnik-Neretva County reports excellent sea water quality at 121 of 127 beaches, with no sites failing bathing standards—good news for late-season swimmers. Regional Health Infrastructure: Trebinje’s new hospital (223 beds, MRI/CT, emergency and intensive care) is now complete, using PENETRON crystalline admixture for permanent waterproofing—an example of modern healthcare construction in the region. Public Health & Policy: Croatia’s foreign workers law for 2027 is drawing criticism after language “integration” requirements were set at A1.1 for permit extensions. Quality of Life Ranking: Croatia placed 20th in a global quality-of-life index, but the methodology (based on factors like safety, healthcare, pollution, and cost) means it shouldn’t be read as a simple living-standards score. Community Support: Dubrovnik’s charity concert on Sept. 29 will raise funds for Antun Zanini’s rehabilitation after a motorcycle accident.

Robotic Surgery in Rijeka: KBC Rijeka has carried out its first digestive surgeries using the da Vinci robotic system, launching a new robotic programme funded from Croatia’s state budget, with procedures led by Prof. Marko Zelić and Dr Dorian Kršul under international proctor guidance. Health & Environment Watch: Lika residents are alarmed after PFAS “forever chemicals” were found in nearby wells following a hazardous waste scandal, with sampling of 43 private water facilities showing two wells affected—one above the permitted limit. Croatia in Global Rankings: Croatia placed 20th in a new Quality of Life Index, scoring strongly on safety, climate and relatively low pollution, though the index is based on everyday-life factors rather than national income. Local Care Approach: A Croatian-descended doctor, Dr. Jelena Bucan-Kurepa, highlights a more personal, prevention-focused model of healthcare with smaller patient loads and longer visits. Public Health & Wellness: A new elderberry tea promotion claims immune-support benefits, with ingredients sourced from Croatia.

PFAS Water Scare in Lika: Residents near an illegal hazardous waste dump outside Gospić are alarmed after Croatian public health sampling found “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in two private wells in Krpani—one at 0.3018 µg/L (above the 0.1 µg/L limit). The Croatian Institute of Public Health says the public water supply isn’t endangered and that most other sampled facilities showed only typical contamination. Medicine Use Up in Croatia: HALMED reports medicine consumption rose 10% last year, linked to Croatia’s ageing population; pharmacists note cardiovascular, digestive and nervous system drugs are among the most used, with vitamin D also high. Croatian Navy Anniversary: Croatia marked 35 years of the Croatian Navy in Split, highlighting roles from protecting the Adriatic to search-and-rescue and emergency medical transport, alongside calls for serious investment to modernize. Local Health Access: Dubrovnik-Neretva County plans a life-saving defibrillator network, while the local Alzheimer Society runs a drive-thru raffle to support awareness and services. Healthcare Approach Spotlight: A profile highlights Dr. Jelena Bucan-Kurepa’s more personal, prevention-focused primary care model, emphasizing longer visits and proactive screening.

Medicine Use Watch: Croatia’s medicine consumption rose 10% last year, driven by an ageing population and higher demand for cardiovascular, digestive and nervous-system therapies, with HALMED noting an average of about 1.7 doses per person per day. Water Safety Alert: “Forever chemicals” (PFAS) were detected in two private wells in the Lika area near an illegal waste dump, though public water supply is said to be unaffected; sampling covered 43 private facilities. Regulatory Update: EMA’s human medicines committee finalized its review of ipidacrine-containing medicines, recommending tighter, better-defined uses and removing several indications, including neuritis-related and demyelinating conditions. Local Health Infrastructure: Dubrovnik-Neretva County is planning a life-saving defibrillator network, while an Alzheimer society event is also set to raise support. Health & Wellness Tech: A COST Action GoodBrother report explores how privacy-aware cameras and microphones could help older people live independently—without turning care into surveillance. Health Costs Context: Croatian consumer prices rose again in August, with notable increases in health-related spending categories.

Medicine Use Watch: HALMED reports medicine consumption in Croatia rose 10% last year, driven by an ageing population; cardiovascular, digestive and nervous-system drugs lead, with vitamin D especially high. Water Safety Alert: “Forever chemicals” (PFAS) were detected in Lika private wells near an illegal waste dump near Gospić; HZJZ says public water supply isn’t endangered, but concentrations in one well exceeded the permitted limit. Patient Safety in the Community: Dubrovnik-Neretva County plans a publicly accessible defibrillator network, with locations and servicing to keep devices ready; the goal is to be operational within about a year. Regulator Update: EMA’s human medicines committee finalized its review of ipidacrine-containing medicines, recommending tighter, better-defined uses and dropping several indications. Healthcare Tech & Privacy: A COST Action GoodBrother report explores how smart cameras and microphones could help older people live independently—while protecting privacy and control. Aviation Incident: A small aircraft made a forced landing near Vinkovci; the pilot died and authorities are investigating the cause. Cost of Living: Croatian consumer prices rose again in August, up 4.2% year-on-year, with transport, housing and health among the biggest contributors.

Medicine Use Watch: HALMED says medicine consumption in Croatia rose 10% last year, driven by an ageing population; cardiovascular, digestive and nervous-system drugs lead demand, with vitamin D especially high. Water Safety Alert: PFAS “forever chemicals” were detected in two private wells in Lika near an illegal waste dump near Gospić, though public water supply is said to be unaffected. Regulator Update: EMA’s committee finalized its review of ipidacrine medicines, tightening approved uses and limiting them to specific nerve-damage conditions and certain symptomatic treatments. Emergency Readiness: Dubrovnik-Neretva County plans a publicly accessible defibrillator network, with locations and servicing to improve response times. Health Tech & Privacy: A COST Action GoodBrother project explores how smart cameras and microphones can help older people stay independent without turning support into surveillance. Local Health Infrastructure: A multi-million euro project is set to deliver a new Zagreb health centre. Aviation Safety: A small aircraft made a forced landing near Vinkovci, killing the pilot; investigations are ongoing.

PFAS Water Alert in Lika: Croatia’s public health institutes report “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in two private wells near an illegal waste dump near Gospić, with one well showing levels about three times above the permitted limit; officials stress the public water supply is not endangered. Patient Safety & Emergency Care: Dubrovnik-Neretva County is planning a publicly accessible defibrillator network, aiming for a county-wide system with regular servicing within about a year. Smart Tech for Healthy Aging: A COST Action GoodBrother project explores how cameras and microphones can help older people live independently while protecting privacy and dignity. Medicines Update (EU): The EMA’s human medicines committee recommends tighter use of ipidacrine-containing medicines, limiting indications and removing several nervous-system uses. Aviation Safety (Health Impact): A small aircraft forced landing near Vinkovci killed the pilot; investigations are ongoing.