Medical complaint — ERS · Portugal

Direct answer

Start with the complaints officer of the hospital or practice — every provider must have one, and most issues are resolved there with an explanation or apology. If not, ERS — Entidade Reguladora da Saúde (ers.pt) is the independent body for patient complaints in Portugal: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Ordem dos Médicos (ordemdosmedicos.pt). For compensation after a treatment error, Seguradora da unidade / tribunal administrativo or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstERS — Entidade Reguladora da Saúde

Report toOrdem dos Médicos

If that failsSeguradora da unidade / tribunal administrativo

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] I was treated at [provider] by [name]. I want to make a formal complaint about [what happened]. I request a written response, and a copy of my complete medical file."

🪜 Step by step

Ask for your fileYou have the right to a copy of your records. Get it before anything else; it is the evidence.
Complaints officer firstIn writing, with dates and names. A response within a set time is mandatory.
Not resolved: ERS — Entidade Reguladora da SaúdeThe patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: Ordem dos MédicosThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: Seguradora da unidade / tribunal administrativoLiability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

ERS — Entidade Reguladora da SaúdeComplaints against public and private providersWhen the provider's citizen office does not resolve it🔗 www.ers.pt

Ordem dos MédicosDisciplinary complaint, doctor's conductFor conduct against the professional code🔗 ordemdosmedicos.pt

Seguradora da unidade / tribunal administrativoCompensation: the insurer (private) or a claim against the State (NHS)Within three years of knowing about the harm🔗 www.ers.pt

❓ Frequently asked

Can I switch doctor during the complaint?

Yes, at any time. The complaint does not affect your right to care.

Is there a deadline?

Complaints: usually none, but sooner is stronger. Compensation claims: often 3–5 years from discovery. Ask ERS — Entidade Reguladora da Saúde.

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for ERS — Entidade Reguladora da Saúde.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“complaint about doctor Portugal”
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“medical error compensation Portugal”
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