The circular, which has been sent to health institutes across the Kingdom, also says that doctors and nurses should not be alone, and that male relatives are permitted to accompany their womenfolk during visits.
It also calls on doctors and hospital staff to avoid suspicious situations and to ensure women patients have someone with them in their rooms other than the doctor.
It adds that if a woman is alone and unaccompanied by a male relative then a female nurse should be in the room.
The ministry said those who violate the rules would be held accountable.
Khalid Al-Mirghalani, spokesman for the Ministry of Health, said the rules are in place to limit the chances of patients making allegations and to ensure the Shariah is adhered to.
“We want all hospitals and health sectors to simply follow the rules. There must be a third party inside the room,” he added.
Al-Mirghalani said there have been cases in which husbands and male relatives have not been allowed to enter with their women folk and that the circular has been issued to clear misunderstandings.
