Medical complaint — Veselības inspekcija · Latvia

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, Veselības inspekcija (67819671) is the independent body for patient complaints in Latvia: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Latvijas Ārstu biedrība — ētikas komisija (arstubiedriba.lv). For compensation after a treatment error, Ārstniecības riska fonds or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstVeselības inspekcija

Report toLatvijas Ārstu biedrība — ētikas komisija

If that failsĀrstniecības riska fonds

🗣️ 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: Veselības inspekcijaThe patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: Latvijas Ārstu biedrība — ētikas komisijaThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: Ārstniecības riska fondsLiability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Veselības inspekcijaInvestigates complaints about care quality, freeWhen the provider did not resolve the complaint📞 67819671 🔗 www.vi.gov.lv/lv/iesniegumi-un-sudzibas

Latvijas Ārstu biedrība — ētikas komisijaEthics proceedingsFor concerns about a doctor's ethics🔗 www.arstubiedriba.lv

Ārstniecības riska fondsCompensation for harm without courtWithin 2 years of discovering the harm🔗 www.vi.gov.lv/lv/arstniecibas-riska-fonds

❓ 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 Veselības inspekcija.

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Veselības inspekcija.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

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

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

Your tools for Latvia

Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Energy · LatviaElectricity & gasThe rules that protect you as an electricity and gas customer in Latvia, and who to contact. Every fact is checked on an official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.

🏥 I have a complaint about a doctor or hospital — who do I go to?