Women | Local sources tell Hasht-e Subh the Taliban in Kandahar banned treating women patients without a mahram. This has not yet been confirmed by other sources

ACW | October 28, 2026 — Local sources told Hasht-e Subh that the Taliban in Kandahar have ordered health workers not to treat women patients without a mahram, and to ensure patients do not wear tight clothing during procedures.

The sources spoke to the newspaper on Tuesday, October 27, and said the Taliban's Vice and Virtue department in Kandahar conveyed the orders at a meeting with officials of the Doctors' Union.

According to the sources, male doctors' presence in operating rooms during surgery on women is to be kept to a minimum. The Taliban also reportedly asked health workers to align their appearance and conduct with the group's rules.

The sources said the orders cover all public and private hospitals in Kandahar, and that staff who violate them a second time face referral to judicial authorities.

This report has not yet been confirmed by other sources. Hasht-e Subh did not name any Taliban official or Doctors' Union leader.

Background: Hasht-e Subh notes that women's access to health care in Afghanistan was already difficult. ACW earlier reported that OCHA says Taliban restrictions hamper women's access to aid in western Afghanistan.

Published reports contain no response from the Taliban authorities.

Why it matters: If confirmed, a mahram requirement for treatment would further limit women's right to health care in one of southern Afghanistan's largest provinces.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Source: Hasht-e Subh — Taliban order Kandahar health workers to keep patients from wearing tight clothing during procedures

Photo: Hasht-e Subh