Medical complaint · Lithuania

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, Valstybinė akreditavimo sveikatos priežiūros veiklai tarnyba (VASPVT) (8 5 261 5177) is the independent body for patient complaints in Lithuania: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Lietuvos gydytojų sąjunga (lgs.lt). For compensation after a treatment error, Pacientų sveikatai padarytos žalos nustatymo komisija (SAM) or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstValstybinė akreditavimo sveikatos priežiūros veiklai tarnyba (VASPVT)

Report toLietuvos gydytojų sąjunga

If that failsPacientų sveikatai padarytos žalos nustatymo komisija (SAM)

🗣️ 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: Valstybinė akreditavimo sveikatos priežiūros veiklai tarnyba (VASPVT)The patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: Lietuvos gydytojų sąjungaThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: Pacientų sveikatai padarytos žalos nustatymo komisija (SAM)Liability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Valstybinė akreditavimo sveikatos priežiūros veiklai tarnyba (VASPVT)Investigates complaints about service quality, freeWhen the provider did not resolve the complaint📞 8 5 261 5177 🔗 vaspvt.gov.lt/skundai

Lietuvos gydytojų sąjungaEthics proceedingsFor concerns about a doctor's ethics🔗 www.lgs.lt

Pacientų sveikatai padarytos žalos nustatymo komisija (SAM)No-fault compensation without courtWithin 3 years of learning about the harm🔗 sam.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/pacientu-teises/zalos-atlyginimas

❓ 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 Valstybinė akreditavimo sveikatos priežiūros veiklai tarnyba (VASPVT).

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Valstybinė akreditavimo sveikatos priežiūros veiklai tarnyba (VASPVT).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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“complaint about doctor Lithuania”
“patient ombudsman Lithuania”
“hospital complaint procedure”
“medical error compensation Lithuania”
“get my medical records”

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