NO 'Dr' prefix for Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, Rules Kerala HC
Kerala High Court
Ernakulam: On the issue of physiotherapists and occupational therapists using the prefix 'Dr', the Kerala High Court has clarified that such professionals cannot use the concerned prefix 'Doctor' without a recognised medical qualification.
"Hence, there shall be a direction to the competent authorities to ensure that the prefix “Dr.” mentioned in Exts.P1 and P1(a) is not used by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists without recognised medical qualification," ordered the HC bench comprising Justice V.G. Arun.
The High Court's direction comes while considering a plea filed in this regard by the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR).
Filing the plea, the association prayed for an interim order directing the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions and the State Allied and Health Care Council and their officers to ensure that the Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapy Professionals should not proclaim themselves as first health care provider and in using the prefix ‘Dr’ in their names and to ensure that their professional services shall be confined only as a supporting group for and under the qualified medical professionals pending disposal of the Writ Petition.
Also Read: Big Shift in Physiotherapy: 'Dr' Prefix Approved, NEET Entrance Now Mandatory
The issue arose when, earlier this year, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) had recommended the use of 'Dr' prefix for physiotherapists.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in the Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy 2025, which was released on 23.04.2025, NCAHP suggested the title "Physiotherapist" with the Prefix "Dr" and suffix "PT."
On September 9, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), under the Health Ministry, mentioned in a letter addressed to the IMA National President, Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, that by using the 'Dr' prefix, physiotherapists will be in legal violation of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.
DGHS had issued the directive after receiving several representations and strong objections from various organisations, including the IAPMR, regarding the use of the prefix "Dr." and suffix "PT" by Physiotherapists in India.
However, only a day later, the DGHS announced its earlier letter as withdrawn. DGHS changed its decision after receiving representations in this regard requiring further examination.
Observations by Kerala HC:
During the hearing of the plea by IAPMR, the counsel for the association highlighted the apparent conflict between the provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916 and the clauses in the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. Further, the court also noted that in a recent order (Ext.P4), the Union Health Ministry had directed to to forthwith remove the usage of the prefix “Dr.” for Physiotherapists in the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy – Approved Syllabus, 2025 on the premise that any Physiotherapist using the title 'Doctor' without holding a recognised medical qualification would be violating the provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.
"Although Ext.P4 was later withdrawn as per Ext.P5, I find the petitioner to have made out a prima facie case," observed the HC bench.
Accordingly, the court ordered that there shall be a direction to the competent authorities to ensure that the prefix “Dr.” mentioned in Exts.P1 and P1(a) is not used by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists without recognised medical qualification. The matter has been listed for further hearing on 01.12.2025.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in its representation before the DGHS, IAPMR had highlighted the issues of concern, including the fact that physiotherapists are not trained as Medical Doctors and, therefore, should not use the prefix "Dr." as it misleads patients and the general public, potentially leading to quackery.
Further, it had pointed out that physiotherapists should not be permitted primary care practice and should only treat referred patients, as they are not trained to diagnose medical conditions- some of which may worsen with inappropriate physiotherapy intervention.
It was also highlighted that the recommendation to allow physiotherapists to use the "Dr." prefix is contrary to legal pronouncements and advisory orders issued by various courts and medical councils in the country. For instance, the Patna High Court held that unless physiotherapists are enrolled in the State Medical Register, they cannot practice modern medicine or use the prefix "Dr.".
To view the HC order, click on the link below:
https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/kerala-hc-physiotherapist-dr-prefix-307193.pdf
Also Read: DGHS withdraws order barring physiotherapists from using 'Dr' prefix
