Doctors welcome Kerala High Court order against ‘Dr.’ prefix for physiotherapists

The Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR) has welcomed the Kerala High Court’s interim order directing the authorities to ensure that the prefix ‘Dr.’ is not used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists who do not hold recognised medical degrees.

The order on November 4, 2025 followed a petition filed by the association against the alleged unauthorised use of the prefix by physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Justice V.G. Arun observed in the order that there existed an 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 (Approved Syllabus 2025) issued by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions. The case is now posted for further hearing on December 1.

P.C. Muralidharan, president of IAPMR, said in a statement that the interim direction reinforced the position that the title ‘Dr.’ is protected under the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, and that physiotherapy and occupational therapy professionals function as vital supportive healthcare providers under the supervision of qualified medical professionals, not as independent first-contact practitioners.

Dr. Muraleedharan said the order also upheld the integrity of the medical profession and clarified the rightful role of allied health professionals within the healthcare system.

Harshanand Popalwar, honorary secretary, IAPMR, and a petitioner in the case, said this was a significant step towards preventing professional misrepresentation and ensuring that the public was not misled about the qualifications of healthcare providers.

Reiterates support for role

The association, however, reiterated that it fully supported the role of physiotherapists and occupational therapists as vital members of the rehabilitation team, while maintaining that the use of medical titles should be restricted to those holding duly recognised medical qualifications as per law.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) had on September 9 issued a directive to the Indian Medical Association barring physiotherapists from using the prefix ‘Dr.’ along with their names. In the directive, the DGHS said physiotherapists were not trained as medical doctors and, therefore, should not use the prefix ‘Dr.’ as it could mislead patients and the general public, and potentially lead to quackery.

It was pointed out that a more “appropriate” and “respectful title” could be considered for the undergraduates and postgraduates in physiotherapy, without causing ambiguity to the patients and the public.

However, just a day later, the DGHS withdrew the order saying further representations had been received on this matter which require further examination and deliberations.