Physiotherapists cannot use ‘Dr’ prefix; they are not medical doctor: DG Health Services directive

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 11 (STC): The Directorate General of Health Services has asked physiotherapists not to use the ‘Dr.’ prefix, as they are not medical doctors.
According to an Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) report, in a letter dated September 9, DGHS Dr. Sunita Sharma stated that by using the ‘Dr.’ prefix, physiotherapists will be in legal violation of 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,” Sharma said in the letter addressed to Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, National President, IMA.
“Physiotherapists should not be permitted to primary care practice and should only treat referred patients, as they are not trained to diagnose medical conditions, some of which may worsen with inappropriate physiotherapy intervention,” she added.
The letter also cited previous legal pronouncements and advisory orders issued by various courts, including the Patna and Madras High Courts, and medical councils in the country, which prohibited physiotherapists/occupational therapists from using the ‘Dr.’ prefix.
As per the report, the letter further noted that any violation “attracts action under Section 7 of the IMA Act for contravention of Section 6 & 6A”, as the legal opinion was adopted by the Council in its meeting held in March 2004.

“It is hereby directed that the usage of the prefix ‘Dr.’ for physiotherapists in the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy Approved Syllabus 2025 be removed forthwith. A more appropriate and respectful title may be considered for graduates and postgraduates of physiotherapy, without causing ambiguity to patients or the public,” the IANS report quoting the letter said.
(Straight Talk Communications)