Kerala High Court rules physiotherapists and occupational therapists can`t use `Dr` prefix without a recognized medical degree
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has ruled that physiotherapists and occupational therapists are not permitted to use the prefix ‘Dr’ unless they hold a recognised medical qualification.
The interim direction was issued by Justice V G Arun in response to a plea filed by the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR). The association had sought to prevent physiotherapists and occupational therapists from presenting themselves as first-line healthcare providers.
What was the petition about?
In its plea, the IAPMR requested the court to direct that physiotherapists and occupational therapists be confined to a supporting role within the healthcare system.
The association argued that these professionals should not be allowed to use the title “Doctor” or project themselves as primary care providers without a recognised medical degree.
Who has been asked to respond?
The High Court has issued notices to the Ministry of Health, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), the State Allied and Healthcare Council, and the National Medical Commission (NMC). These authorities have been asked to submit their responses to the petition filed by the IAPMR.
What did the court observe?
The court noted that the Union Health Ministry had, through a notification dated 9 September 2025, ordered the immediate removal of the prefix ‘Dr’ for physiotherapists in the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy – Approved Syllabus, 2025. The ministry stated that any physiotherapist using the title “Doctor” without a recognised medical qualification would be in violation of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.
However, the High Court also pointed out that this notification was withdrawn by the ministry the very next day, on 10 September 2025, through another official notification.
What direction has the court issued?
“Hence, there shall be a direction to the competent authorities to ensure that the prefix ‘Dr’ mentioned in Exts P1 (Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy–Approved Syllabus, 2025) and P1(a) (Competency Based Curriculum for Occupational Therapy–Approved Syllabus, 2025) is not used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists without recognised medical qualification,” the court said.
The matter will be taken up for further hearing on 1 December.
PTI inputs
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