Health Minister Ab Klink said he could imagine that if a person's face is covered that could compromise the relationship between patient and doctor or nurse, Radio Netherlands/Expatica reported Sunday.

The network said there is support in the Dutch parliament for plans to ban the wearing of clothing that covers the face in schools and public buses, and by public service workers.

The conservative VVD and right-wing Freedom Party have called for a total ban on the wearing of burkas in public.