The Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has instructed healthcare workers in hospitals that female doctors who work with male doctors must have a “mahram,” or a legally permitted male guardian.
Documents obtained by the Hasht-e Subh Daily on Tuesday, June 16, show that in a 17-article letter addressed to healthcare centres, the Taliban have imposed new restrictions and guidelines.
The letter states that no male doctor or employee may enter rooms where female patients are admitted without permission.
The Taliban have also emphasised that the workplaces of male and female doctors must be separated from each other.
At the same time, some doctors confirm that they have been forced to make commitments to grow beards and stop their work 15 minutes before prayer time to go to the mosque.
According to the directive, healthcare centres are required to establish separate waiting rooms for women and men and prevent their mixing.
Another section of the letter instructs all doctors and healthcare workers to cooperate with the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in “enforcing virtues and eliminating vices.”
The Taliban have warned that implementing these measures is mandatory and that individuals who violate them will face “legal action.”
