Physiotherapists cannot Use ‘Dr.’ Prefix: DGHS
Physiotherapists Not Entitled To Use ‘Dr’ Prefix: The Central Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has officially barred physiotherapists from using the prefix ‘Dr.’ with their names, stating that physiotherapists are not recognized as medical doctors under Indian law. In a letter addressed to the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the DGHS clarified that this move is in accordance with the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, which prohibits the use of the title “Doctor” without a valid and recognized medical degree. The Health Ministry also directed that physiotherapy course materials be revised to reflect this guideline, proposing a respectable but unambiguous alternative title to avoid public confusion.
Why did the controversy start?
This directive follows a controversial April 2025 notification by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), which had allowed physiotherapists to use the ‘Dr.’ prefix and ‘PT’ suffix. The move sparked widespread opposition from several medical organizations, including the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and led to a formal complaint by the IMA. The central health authority has now reversed the NCAHP’s decision, citing potential patient misguidance and legal violations.
DGHS Director General Dr. Sunita Sharma highlighted that several courts and medical councils have already ruled on this issue in the past. Notable judgments from the Patna High Court (2003), Tamil Nadu Medical Council (2016), Bangalore Court (2020), and Madras High Court (2022) all stated that physiotherapists cannot legally use the title “Doctor.” Sharma reaffirmed that violating this rule would amount to a breach of the Indian Medical Degree Act and could invite legal action.
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