Government Clarifies: In a major regulatory decision, India’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has clarified that physiotherapists are not medical doctors and must not use the “Dr” prefix before their names. The decision comes amid objections from professional bodies and aims to prevent misleading patients and the general public.
The issue gained prominence when the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy, 2025, released in April this year, suggested that physiotherapy graduates could use “Dr” before their name along with the suffix “PT”. This provision faced backlash from several groups, including the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR), as well as the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
Why the “Dr” Prefix Is Controversial for Physiotherapists
Dr. Sunita Sharma, the Director General of Health Services, emphasized in a formal letter to the IMA that physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors. She pointed out that the use of the “Dr” prefix could mislead patients into believing that physiotherapists hold medical qualifications equivalent to those of doctors.
“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,” Dr. Sharma noted.
This move is aimed at preventing potential confusion and safeguarding public health by ensuring that only qualified medical doctors can use the “Dr” prefix.
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Legal Precedents Reinforce the Directive
The government’s directive is backed by multiple judicial judgments and regulatory advisories:
- Patna High Court (2003) ruled against the use of “Dr” by physiotherapists.
- Bengaluru Court (2020) and Madras High Court (2022) both supported this restriction.
- The Tamil Nadu Medical Council also issued advisories reinforcing the same stance.
Additionally, the DGHS highlighted that using the “Dr” prefix without holding a recognised medical degree violates the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916. Such a violation could invite strict legal action.
Physiotherapists’ Role Clarified: Referral-Based Practice
The DGHS stressed that physiotherapists should provide services based on referrals from qualified medical doctors, and not function as primary care providers. This maintains a clear and accountable chain of medical care, reducing the risk of incorrect diagnoses or treatments.
What’s Next: Correcting the Physiotherapy Curriculum
In light of the directive, the health authority has instructed that the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy (2025) be amended immediately to remove the provision for using the “Dr” prefix.
The DGHS recommended that a “more appropriate and respectful title” be adopted for physiotherapy graduates, which acknowledges their expertise without misleading the public. Possible alternatives could include the suffix “PT” (Physiotherapist), ensuring clarity and professionalism.
Conclusion
This regulatory move highlights the Indian government’s strong stance on protecting public health and preventing professional misrepresentation in the healthcare system. By disallowing physiotherapists from using the “Dr” prefix, the DGHS aims to ensure that patients are not confused or misled into mistaking them for medical doctors.
It is crucial for physiotherapists and all healthcare professionals to adhere to clearly defined roles within the healthcare ecosystem. This prevents quackery and strengthens the trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Moving forward, the revised physiotherapy curriculum will align with these guidelines, allowing qualified professionals to continue delivering their vital services without creating ambiguity for the public.
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FAQs Government Clarifies
1. Why can’t physiotherapists use the “Dr” prefix in India?
Physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors. The Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, reserves the “Dr” prefix for registered medical practitioners to prevent misleading the public and potential quackery.
2. What legal rulings support this decision?
Judgments from the Patna High Court (2003), Bengaluru Court (2020), and Madras High Court (2022), along with advisories from the Tamil Nadu Medical Council, consistently ruled that the “Dr” prefix should be reserved for medical doctors only.
3. Can physiotherapists still practice independently?
Physiotherapists are expected to practice based on referrals from medical doctors. They are not authorized to function as primary care providers but play a critical role in rehabilitation and physical therapy under medical guidance.
4. What suffix can physiotherapists use instead?
The government recommends using “PT” (Physiotherapist) after the name, which clearly identifies the person’s qualification without misleading patients.
5. How will this change impact the physiotherapy profession?
The change will clarify professional roles, prevent misrepresentation, and help maintain public trust in healthcare services. It also emphasizes the importance of structured, supervised care within the medical framework.
