What can I do if I am not happy with a private health care service I have received?

If you are not happy with any aspect of health care treatment you have received in the private sector, you should first try to speak to the practitioner concerned or the manager of the facility. Explain what happened and why you are not satisfied.

Many complaints can be resolved directly by practitioners and facilities if concerns are raised promptly, and if both parties listen to each other and communicate openly and respectfully.

If the explanation or action taken at the local level does not resolve the problem to your satisfaction, you can make a complaint to the Medical Licensing Department.

What kinds of complaints does the Department deal with?

The Department deals with complaints about the professional conduct, competence or fitness to practice of health practitioners.

Complaints about health practitioners vary widely and could include:

·         Poor standards of clinical care

·         Unethical conduct or behavior

·         Practicing without a license

Concerns might also be raised about a practitioner’s physical or mental health which could affect their practice.

How do I make a complaint?

You can make your complaint in writing, addressed to the Compliance & Investigations Group at the Medical Licensing Department:

By post: PO Box 7744, Doha, Qatar

By fax: 4070831

By email: msada@sch.gov.qa  

If you have any questions about making a complaint, please call 407-0313 (from 7am to 2pm).

What information should I include in my complaint?

When writing your letter of complaint, please be sure to include the following information:

·         Your full name and contact details

·         The name of the practitioner/facility and the location of the practice

·         The date/s of treatment

·         The type of treatment received

·         Details of what happened and the particular issues you are concerned about

·         The names and contact details of any other witnesses, including other medical/health practitioners you have consulted

·         Copies of any documents you have related to your complaints, such as medical records/reports, test results or correspondence

How will my complaint be managed?

The Medical Licensing Department will firstly assess your complaint to decide what, if any, action should be taken. The level of investigation undertaken will vary with the seriousness and circumstances of each complaint but may include:

·         Gathering copies of medical records and reports

·         Asking for an explanation and report from the practitioner/facility concerned

·         Speaking to witnesses

·         Obtaining a report from an independent expert

·         Arranging an assessment of the practitioner’s competence or health

We aim to deal with all complaints as quickly as possible and we will keep you up to date with progress throughout our investigations.

What can the Department do?

The Medical Licensing Department has powers to:

·         Issue advice or warnings

·         Require a practitioner to improve their knowledge or the way they practice

·         Suspend or cancel a practitioner’s or facility’s license

·         Prosecute anyone practicing without a license

The Department cannot award compensation or order a practitioner/facility to refund fees.

Questions?