New Rule: No ‘Dr’ Prefix for Physiotherapists Anymore
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has officially clarified that physiotherapists are not entitled to use the prefix “Dr.” The DGHS emphasized that this title is exclusively reserved for registered medical practitioners, aiming to prevent public confusion and ensure patient safety.
DGHS Issues Strong Directive on ‘Dr’ Prefix for Physiotherapists
The DGHS, in a formal letter addressed to the Indian Medical Association President Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, highlighted growing concerns over the use of the prefix “Dr” by physiotherapists. This decision follows multiple representations and objections raised by professional organizations, including the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The key focus is that physiotherapists are not entitled to use the ‘Dr’ prefix, as this may mislead patients into thinking they are licensed medical doctors.
Why Physiotherapists Cannot Be Referred to as ‘Dr’
Dr. Sunita Sharma, DGHS, explained that physiotherapists do not receive training to diagnose or treat medical conditions independently. Instead, they provide rehabilitative care under the supervision of qualified medical doctors. The use of “Dr” by physiotherapists could give patients the false impression that they are receiving primary medical care, potentially endangering patient health.
Moreover, Sharma pointed out that the current Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy (Approved Syllabus 2025) published by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions is being revised. The directive mandates the removal of the “Dr” prefix from this curriculum immediately, proposing that an alternative title be used for physiotherapy graduates, one that does not confuse the public.
Legal Precedents Supporting the DGHS Directive
The letter cited several important legal rulings reinforcing this restriction:
- A 2003 Patna High Court ruling stated physiotherapists must be enrolled in the State Medical Register to practice modern medicine or use the “Dr” prefix.
- A Tamil Nadu Medical Council advisory categorised physiotherapists as paramedics or technicians and advised against the use of “Dr.”
- A 2020 Bengaluru court ruling prohibited physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using “Dr” and stressed that they must work under physician supervision.
- The Madras High Court further upheld that physiotherapists are not legally recognised as doctors under the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act.
Importantly, the Ethics Committee of the Indian Medical Council (IMC) had already ruled in 2007 that only registered practitioners of Modern Medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani are eligible to use the “Dr” title. Any violation would contravene the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, attracting legal action.
Clear Guidance for the Future
The DGHS directive concludes by instructing that the term “Dr” be immediately removed from all official physiotherapy-related academic materials, including the Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy Approved Syllabus 2025. The recommendation is to develop a more appropriate and respectful title for qualified physiotherapists that does not create ambiguity or mislead patients.
Conclusion
The directive that physiotherapists are not entitled to use the ‘Dr’ prefix aims to strengthen public trust in healthcare and prevent any misunderstanding about the qualifications of health professionals. The DGHS emphasises that physiotherapists should practice only under medical supervision and should never represent themselves as doctors in any capacity.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 11 September 2025
- 13:00
