Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Kerala HC Restricts Physiotherapists from Using 'Dr.' Prefix
The Kerala High Court in India made a temporary rule saying that physiotherapists and occupational therapists cannot call themselves 'Doctor' unless they have a special medical degree.
The judge noticed that the rules for these professions might be confusing and could conflict with an old law about medical titles.
The court wants to make sure only people with official medical qualifications use the 'Dr.'
title.
This is because an old law says only those with recognized medical degrees can use it.
The court is asking authorities to make sure this rule is followed.
A group representing doctors had asked the court to stop physiotherapists and occupational therapists from acting like they are the main doctors.
The court agreed that there's a strong reason to look into this further.
They will discuss it again on December 1.
Kerala High Court issued an interim order restricting physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using the 'Dr.' prefix without recognized medical qualifications.
Justice V.G. Arun noted a conflict between the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, and the curriculum for physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
The court directed authorities to ensure compliance, preventing unauthorized use of the 'Dr.' title.
A previous order from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to remove the 'Dr.' prefix for physiotherapists was withdrawn.
The Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation filed a plea to restrict these professionals from presenting themselves as primary healthcare providers.
- Who
- Kerala High Court, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions, State Allied and Health Care Council
- What
- Issued an interim order restraining physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using the prefix 'Dr.' without a recognized medical qualification.
- When
- Recently (order passed); December 1 (next hearing)
- Where
- Kerala High Court
- Why
- Apparent conflict between the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, and the Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy; potential violation of the Indian Medical Degrees Act by using the title 'Doctor' without a recognized medical qualification.
Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Petitioner)
Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists
Claim to Primary Healthcare Provider Status
Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Petitioner)
Contends that physiotherapists and occupational therapists should not present themselves as primary healthcare providers.
Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists
Implicitly claims a higher professional standing by using the 'Dr.' prefix.
Scope of Practice
Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Petitioner)
Urges that these professionals be confined to functioning only as a supporting group for, and under, qualified medical professionals.
Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists
Uses the 'Dr.' prefix, potentially indicating a broader scope of practice than that of a supporting role.
- Court
- Kerala High Court
- Judge
- Justice V.G. Arun
- Subject
- Use of 'Dr.' prefix by physiotherapists and occupational therapists
- Challenged Authorities
- National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) and State Allied and Health Care Council
- Petitioner
- Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Relevant Legislation
- Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916
- Next Hearing Date
- December 1