ministry · Spain
Ministry of Health (Spain)
Central Spanish health ministry (Ministerio de Sanidad). Coordinates the national healthcare system, regulates pharmaceuticals and medical devices via AEMPS, and oversees the regional colleges that register individual practitioners. Publishes national quality and safety strategies.
Scope of authority
National umbrella body of the provincial colleges of physicians (Colegios Oficiales de Médicos) in Spain. Sets ethical standards and represents the profession nationally; day-to-day registration and discipline is handled by the provincial Colegio with jurisdiction in the practitioner's province.
Complaint pathway
Written complaints to the relevant provincial Colegio. The Colegio's ethics committee investigates and can recommend professional sanctions. Each autonomous community additionally operates a Defensor del Pueblo ombudsman service for healthcare complaints.