Medical complaint · Bulgaria

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, Изпълнителна агенция „Медицински надзор“ (02 805 3620) is the independent body for patient complaints in Bulgaria: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Български лекарски съюз (blsbg.com). For compensation after a treatment error, Национална здравноосигурителна каса — жалби or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstИзпълнителна агенция „Медицински надзор“

Report toБългарски лекарски съюз

If that failsНационална здравноосигурителна каса — жалби

🗣️ 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: Изпълнителна агенция „Медицински надзор“The patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: Български лекарски съюзThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: Национална здравноосигурителна каса — жалбиLiability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Изпълнителна агенция „Медицински надзор“Checks complaints against providers and practitionersWhen the provider did not resolve the complaint📞 02 805 3620 🔗 iamn.bg/signali

Български лекарски съюзEthics and professional proceedings against doctorsFor concerns about competence or ethics🔗 blsbg.com

Национална здравноосигурителна каса — жалбиComplaints on refused NHIF-covered careFor NHIF coverage problems🔗 www.nhif.bg/bg/citizens/complaints

❓ 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 Изпълнителна агенция „Медицински надзор“.

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Изпълнителна агенция „Медицински надзор“.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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

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