In Herat province of Afghanistan, the Taliban has strictly prohibited women from entering hospitals or other government institutions without a burqa. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This restriction is based on a new regulation adopted by the Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. Previously, women were allowed to enter medical institutions wearing a hijab, niqab, or chador.
However, according to the new decision, only the burqa — a garment that fully covers the body and face, with a mesh covering the eyes — is permitted. Now, in Herat, not only female patients but also female doctors and nurses are required to wear the burqa.
Additionally, the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs has advised taxi drivers not to transport women without a burqa. Many drivers are compelled to comply with this requirement.
Photos of medical staff wearing burqas while vaccinating young patients are widely discussed on social media. Experts emphasize that this restriction may further complicate women's access to healthcare services and limit their opportunities to receive medical assistance.
