On 9-9-2025, the Director General of Health Services (‘DGHS’), under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, issued a directive stating that physiotherapists are not entitled to use the prefix “Dr.”. The directive was in response to professional concerns raised by multiple medical bodies and is currently under further examination following its withdrawal.
Background:
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), a statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, released the “Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy — Approved Syllabus 2025,” recommending the use of “Dr.” and “PT” for physiotherapists.
This proposal drew criticism from several medical organizations, who deemed it misleading and legally problematic.
Objections:
DGHS outlined several reasons why physiotherapists should not use the prefix “Dr.”:
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Misrepresentation of Qualifications:
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Physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors.
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Using “Dr.” may mislead patients and the public, potentially leading to quackery.
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Scope of Practice:
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Physiotherapists should not engage in primary care or diagnose medical conditions.
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They should treat referred patients only, as inappropriate physiotherapy could worsen certain conditions.
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Based on Rulings:
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Patna High Court (2003): Ruled that physiotherapists cannot use “Dr.” unless registered in the State Medical Register.
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Tamil Nadu Medical Council Advisory (2016): Warned physiotherapists against using “Dr.”, classifying them as paramedical professionals.
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Bengaluru Court (2020): Prohibited physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using “Dr.” and emphasized they must work under physician supervision.
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Madras High Court (2022): Reiterated that physiotherapists are not recognized as “doctors” under the Indian Medical Council Act, and upheld Government orders preventing them from using “Dr.”
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Ethics Committee Ruling: Only practitioners of Modern Medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani may use the title “Dr.”.
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Violation of Law: Use of “Dr.” by physiotherapists without recognized medical qualifications violates the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, and is punishable under Section 7, for contravention of Sections 6 and 6A.
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Directive and Withdrawal:
In response to these concerns, the DGHS directed that the use of “Dr.” in the 2025 Physiotherapy Curriculum be removed immediately and suggested that a “more appropriate and respectful title” be considered for physiotherapy graduates and postgraduates.
However, on 10-9-2025, DGHS issued a withdrawal notice, stating that further representations had been received and that the matter required additional examination and deliberation. The original directive is therefore no longer in effect, pending further review.
