Medical complaint · Malta

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, Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa (Ombudsman) (2248 3200) is the independent body for patient complaints in Malta: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Kunsill Mediku ta' Malta (2299 2455). For compensation after a treatment error, Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa — Karta tal-Pazjent or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstUffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa (Ombudsman)

Report toKunsill Mediku ta' Malta

If that failsUffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa — Karta tal-Pazjent

🗣️ 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: Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa (Ombudsman)The patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: Kunsill Mediku ta' MaltaThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa — Karta tal-PazjentLiability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa (Ombudsman)Investigates complaints about public health services, freeWhen the provider did not resolve the complaint📞 2248 3200 🔗 www.ombudsman.org.mt/commissioner-for-health

Kunsill Mediku ta' MaltaDisciplinary proceedings against doctorsFor concerns about competence or ethics📞 2299 2455 🔗 deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/regcounc/mcm/Pages/complaints.aspx

Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa — Karta tal-PazjentPatient rights and medical recordsFor access to records and compensation🔗 health.gov.mt/en/Pages/patients-charter.aspx

❓ 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 Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa (Ombudsman).

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa (Ombudsman).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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

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