Complaints about a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist or other health professional, or about a hospital, clinic, medical centre or the ambulance service (public or private), go to the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA). It looks at the provider's conduct, the care and treatment given, and fitness to practise.
Who can complain: the patient, a first-degree relative or legal guardian, or someone the patient authorises.
How: fill in NHRA's Medical Complaint Registration Form and send it with a copy of the patient's CPR, your CPR if you are not the patient, and any medical reports, records, X-rays or lab results you have. You can submit it by the eService on the eGovernment portal, by email to complaints@nhra.bh, through Tawasul, or in person. There is no fee, and complaints cannot be anonymous, though NHRA can keep your name confidential if you ask.
If the case is within its remit you get an acknowledgement with a complaint number. NHRA collects your records and a report from the provider. There is no fixed time limit, and a case can take several months.
NHRA decides on medical errors and discipline only. It cannot award compensation (that is for the courts) or order a refund or a change in fees; for money matters NHRA points you to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce's Consumer Protection Directorate.
NHRA is in Al Khair Tower 2, Sanabis, on +973 17 113 333.
Steps
- Download the Medical Complaint Registration Form from the NHRA website or ask for it at complaints@nhra.bh.
- Fill it in and gather the patient's CPR copy and any medical documents.
- Submit it through the eGovernment eService, by email, through Tawasul or in person at NHRA.
- Keep the complaint number from the acknowledgement letter to follow up.