New Delhi:
A new directive from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has reignited the long-standing debate over whether physiotherapists can use the prefix “Dr.” before their names. According to the order, physiotherapists are not medical doctors and therefore cannot use the ‘Dr.’ title, as doing so could mislead patients and violate existing laws.
What the DGHS Directive States
In an official letter dated September 9, DGHS Director Dr. Sunita Sharma clarified that physiotherapists do not undergo medical training equivalent to doctors and should not present themselves as such. She warned that the use of the ‘Dr.’ prefix by physiotherapists would be considered a violation under the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.
“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,” the letter stated.
The directive was issued in response to concerns raised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), emphasizing that physiotherapists should only provide treatment to patients referred by qualified doctors and must not engage in primary care practice.
Legal and Regulatory Background
The DGHS cited multiple court rulings and regulatory advisories, including decisions from the Patna and Madras High Courts, which have previously barred physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using the medical doctor title.
The letter also highlighted that misuse of the prefix could invite legal action under Section 7 of the IMA Act, making physiotherapists liable for contravening the law.
A Conflicting Development Earlier This Year
Interestingly, this directive comes just months after the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) had announced that physiotherapists would be allowed to use the prefix ‘Dr.’ followed by the suffix ‘PT’ (for Physiotherapy). This announcement was made alongside the launch of the new 2025 Physiotherapy Curriculum, under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
That decision was initially welcomed by sections of the physiotherapy community, who argued that their intensive academic training—often at the postgraduate and doctoral research levels—warranted the recognition.
However, the latest DGHS clarification makes it clear that only registered practitioners of modern medicine, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani are legally entitled to use the “Dr.” prefix in India.
Why the Restriction Matters
Health experts argue that the directive is necessary to prevent confusion among patients. Since physiotherapists are trained to manage rehabilitation, mobility issues, and musculoskeletal care—but not to diagnose or treat medical conditions independently—misrepresentation could put patients at risk.
“Using the prefix ‘Dr.’ without being a medical doctor can mislead patients into believing they are receiving treatment from a physician. This could result in serious complications if physiotherapy is applied without proper diagnosis,” the DGHS noted.
What Happens Next
The DGHS has directed that the “Dr.” prefix should be removed from the official 2025 Physiotherapy Curriculum. It also suggested that a more “appropriate and respectful title” be considered for physiotherapy graduates and postgraduates—one that reflects their professional status without creating ambiguity for the public.
The decision is likely to spark renewed debate in India’s healthcare sector. While physiotherapists play a crucial role in patient care and rehabilitation, the government is drawing a clear boundary between medical doctors and allied health professionals to protect public interest.
Conclusion
With this directive, the government has firmly reinforced that physiotherapists, despite their vital contribution to healthcare, cannot present themselves as medical doctors. The ruling not only clarifies the legal position but also seeks to safeguard patients from potential confusion.
As the healthcare landscape in India continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether an alternative, universally accepted title for physiotherapists will emerge—one that acknowledges their expertise while maintaining clear distinctions between medical and allied health professionals.
