The Indian Affiliation of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (IAPMR) has welcomed the interim order of the Kerala Excessive Courtroom directing authorities to make sure using the prefix ‘Dr.’. We don’t use bodily therapists or occupational therapists who do not need a acknowledged medical diploma.
The November 4, 2025 order adopted a petition filed by the affiliation in opposition to the alleged misuse of the prefix by bodily therapists and occupational therapists. Justice VG Arun stated there was a transparent battle between the provisions of the Indian Medical Levels Act, 1916 and the provisions of the Competency-Based mostly Curriculum for Physiotherapy and Occupational Remedy (Accredited Syllabus, 2025) revealed by the Nationwide Well being Professions Fee. The case is now submitted for additional listening to on December 1st.
IAPMR Chairman PC Muralidharan stated in an announcement that the interim route strengthens the place that the title “Dr.” is protected by the Indian Medical Levels Act, 1916, which permits bodily and occupational remedy professionals to perform as important assist well being care suppliers below the supervision of certified well being professionals, quite than as unbiased first-contact practitioners.
Dr Muraleedharan stated the order upheld the integrity of the medical occupation and likewise clarified the respectable position of allied well being professionals inside the well being system.
Harshanand Popalwar, honorary secretary of IAPMR and a petitioner within the case, stated this is a crucial step to forestall skilled misrepresentations and be sure that the general public just isn’t misled in regards to the {qualifications} of well being care suppliers.
Repeat position assist
Nonetheless, whereas the affiliation totally helps the position of bodily therapists and occupational therapists as necessary members of the rehabilitation staff, it reiterated that using the title physician needs to be restricted to those that maintain formally acknowledged medical {qualifications} in accordance with the legislation.
The Directorate Basic of Well being Providers (DGHS) on September 9 issued a directive to the Indian Medical Affiliation prohibiting physiotherapists from utilizing the prefix ‘Dr’. together with their names. Within the directive, the DGHS stated that bodily therapists mustn’t use the prefix ‘Dr’ as they aren’t educated as medical medical doctors. It’s because it might mislead sufferers and most of the people and result in fraudulent practices.
It was prompt that extra “acceptable” and “respectful titles” might be thought of for bodily remedy undergraduate and graduate college students with out creating ambiguity for sufferers and the general public.
Nonetheless, only a day later, the DGHS withdrew the order, saying it had obtained additional representations on the matter requiring additional investigation and deliberations.
