Is it permissible for a female doctor to treat a male patient?

Ideally a female practitioner should refer her male patients to a male assistant (eg : a male doctor who is partner in the practice) or to another male doctor. However, in cases of emergency or the unavailability of a competent male doctor, it would be permissible for a female doctor to treat a male patient provided she adheres to the rules of Purdah and Hijab. At such a time she should ensure that she is not in complete seclusion with her male patient. Furthermore, if the treatment relates to the Aurah of the male, it is incumbent to cover the entire Aurah and expose just the affected part.

The money’s earned from consultation justified in the Shariah will be permissible.

Ameer, Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre