II. Sz. Gyermekgyógyászati Klinika

Gazing at this building, can you sense the weight of history and hope within its walls? This is the Semmelweis University’s II. Sz. Gyermekgyógyászati Klinika, a beacon of pediatric care nestled in Budapest’s 9th district. Known historically as the Second Department of Pediatrics, its story begins in 1885. Driven by a mission to heal underprivileged children, Dr. Szalárdi Mór founded the “White Cross Children’s Hospital.” The II. Sz. Gyermekgyógyászati Klinika became a pioneer, establishing Hungary’s first pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery department. Imagine the advancements made within these walls. Groundbreaking citogenetic diagnostics, pediatric oncology, hematology, and molecular genetic testing for childhood metabolic diseases all found a home here. Starting with only ten wards, one doctor, and five nurses, the hospital treated an astounding 323 children in its first six months. Its impact quickly caught the attention of Prime Minister Kálmán Tisza. He issued a decree recommending the hospital’s work. This paved the way for rapid expansion. The current building of the II. Sz. Gyermekgyógyászati Klinika arose from the generosity of private individuals. They donated land and buildings to the White Cross Association. Between 1896 and 1897, the renowned architect Alajos Hauszmann designed the structure we see today. Its foundation stone laying ceremony drew a prestigious crowd. Even Emperor Franz Joseph himself attended. Luminary figures like Miklós Berend, Géza Petényi, and Ödön Kerpel-Fronius have served as directors. Under Dezső Schuler’s leadership from 1976 to 1994, the hospital revolutionized childhood leukemia treatment in Hungary. Professor György Fekete established the clinic’s first gene-level diagnostic center during his tenure, which lasted until 2009. After World War II, it became the state-run Second Pediatric Clinic of Semmelweis University. Its role solidified as a national center for pediatric leukemia and cancer treatment. It also tackled lipid metabolism disorders, early detection of cardiovascular diseases, and specialized in congenital metabolic disorders and pediatric neurology. Nearly half of all Hungarian children battling cancer and leukemia receive treatment here. Between 2009 and 2018, Professor András Szabó led the II. Sz. Gyermekgyógyászati Klinika. Then, from 2018 to 2022, Professor Gábor Kovács took the helm. In 2023, the First and Second Pediatric Clinics merged to form a unified Department of Pediatrics. The Bókay Street division now houses the First Clinic, while the Tűzoltó Street division, the one we stand before, continues the legacy of the Second. Thanks to generous state, corporate, and foundation donations, the complex has undergone extensive renovations. It now stands as a testament to modern pediatric care. The Örzők Foundation, established in 1989, tirelessly supports the clinic. Their efforts ensure that children facing severe illnesses receive the best possible care. They have raised over one billion forints, providing state-of-the-art equipment. The II. Sz. Gyermekgyógyászati Klinika stands as a symbol of unwavering dedication to the well-being of children.