DGHS withdraws order barring physiotherapists from using 'Dr' prefix

New Delhi: The Central Government has withdrawn its directive barring the physiotherapists from using the 'Dr' prefix.

Two contradictory directives were issued by the DGHS.

On September 9, in a letter addressed to the National President of the Indian Medical Association, Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) announced that physiotherapists cannot use the 'Dr' prefix, changing its stance on the matter from earlier this year in April.

Again, on September 10, in a communication addressed to the Chairperson of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), the Secretary APMR, AIIMS Nagpur, and the IMA President, the DGHS announced its previous letter dated 09.11.2025 as withdrawn. The DGHS has clarified that the "matter requires further examination".

NCAHP Recommendations:

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.

Physiotherapists Cannot Use "Dr." Prefix- DGHS Letter Dated 09.11.2025:

On September 9, only a day after World Physiotherapy Day was celebrated across the world, the DGHS, under the Union Health Ministry, issued a letter to the Indian Medical Association (IMA) National President Dr Dilip Bhanushali announcing its changed stance on the matter.

In its letter dated 09.11.2025, the DGHS, Dr. Sunita Sharma, said that by using the 'Dr' prefix, physiotherapists will be in legal violation of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.

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Accordingly, DGHS clarified in the letter that "...persons with qualifications in physiotherapy are not entitled to use the prefix "Dr." under any circumstances whatsoever."

"In view of the above, it is hereby directed that the usage of the prefix "Dr." for physiotherapists in the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy —Approved Syllabus 2025 be removed forthwith. A more appropriate and respectful title may be considered for graduates and postgraduates of physiotherapy, without causing ambiguity to patients or the public," DGHS said in the letter.

This new decision of the Central Government was announced after the DGHS received several representations and strong objections from various organizations, including the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR), regarding the use of the prefix "Dr." and suffix "PT" by Physiotherapists in India.

IAPMR 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 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.".

Back in 2016, the Tamil Nadu Medical Council Advisory had warned physiotherapists against using "Dr." prefix, terming them as paramedics/technicians. A Bengaluru Court ruling dating back to 2020 also upheld the prohibition on physiotherapists using the prefix "Dr.", reiterating that they are not recognized as "Doctors" under the IMC Act.

DGHS mentioned that the Ethics Committee of the Council ( Paramedical& Physiotherapy Central Council Bill, 2007) had earlier decided that the title "Doctor" (Dr.) may only be used by registered medical practitioners of Modern Medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani. No other category of medical professionals, including nursing and paramedical staff, was permitted to use this title.

DGHS Dr. Sharma suggested that a more appropriate and respectful title may be considered for graduates and postgraduates of physiotherapy, without causing any ambiguity to patients or the public.

DGHS withdraws its Decision:

However, the decision of the Directorate regarding not permitting the physiotherapists to use the "Dr." prefix did not last long, as only one day later, the DGHS announced its earlier letter issued to the IMA National President in this regard as withdrawn. DGHS changed its decision after receiving representations in this regard requiring further examination.

Accordingly, it announced, "This is with reference to the D.O. Letter No.Z.28017/91/2025-SAS-III (FTS.8356966) dated 9th September. 2025 regarding the use of the prefix "Dr" and suffix 'PT by Physiotherapists in India. Thereafter, representations have been received on this matter which require further examination and deliberations. Hence. the aforesaid D.O. letter may be treated as withdrawn as the matter requires further examination."

Recently, on World Physiotherapy Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also recognised the efforts and contributions of physiotherapists in our lives. PM Modi wrote in an X post, "World Physiotherapy Day is an occasion to appreciate the efforts of all those associated with the practice of physiotherapy. It is commendable how they contribute to the wellbeing of people, especially the elderly, by ensuring mobility, dignity and a better quality of life."

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