Zadar Residents Flock to Free Mole Screenings
Despite the heat, many citizens took advantage of dm's free dermoscopy initiative on the Zadar waterfront.
Despite the heat, many citizens took advantage of dm's free dermoscopy initiative on the Zadar waterfront.
The heat, which exceeded 35 degrees Celsius, did not deter numerous residents of Zadar from visiting the city's waterfront on Saturday, August 3, 2026, for a free dermatological check-up. As part of dm's public health initiative "Protect yourself... and enjoy the sun", citizens could have their moles and other skin changes examined using digital dermoscopy without prior appointment on the Obala kralja Petra Krešimira IV.
From 4 to 7 PM, dermatologists Lovre Pedić, Filip Bosnić, Katarina Dragun, and Mislav Mokos performed the screenings. In addition to the examinations, citizens could also receive advice from the doctors on proper sun protection and skin care.
Ana Dopuđ, dm's representative in Zadar, emphasized that this initiative is one of dm's longest-running public health campaigns. "We have been running it since 2011, and during that period, our doctors have examined more than 22,000 citizens. Of those, 16 percent were referred for further examinations, which shows how important such campaigns are for the early detection of skin changes," said Dopuđ.
This year, the initiative has been expanded to a record 19 cities across Croatia and will conclude in Dubrovnik. "This gives us additional motivation to continue organizing such campaigns and make them as accessible as possible to as many people as possible," added Dopuđ.
The importance of regular check-ups was also highlighted by dermatologist Lovre Pedić, who gladly participates in such campaigns. "I always gladly respond to these preventive campaigns because they give citizens the opportunity to check the health of their skin in a simple and quick way," Dr. Pedić told Slobodna Dalmacija.
He explained that a dermatological examination is one of the simplest preventive check-ups. "It is short, painless, and can be the first step in the timely identification of potentially dangerous skin changes," Dr. Pedić said, urging citizens to take advantage of such opportunities.
Among the visitors was Katarina, a student from Osijek, who came for the check-up with her mother while they are on vacation near Zadar. "We reserved Saturday for a visit to the old town and to have the check-up that doctors are doing here on the Zadar waterfront," Katarina said.
She added that she has been following this dm initiative for several years and considers it highly commendable. "The atmosphere is great, relaxed and casual, right by the sea, much better than waiting for a check-up in a hospital corridor. Hats off to dm for this initiative," the student concluded.
