8 months ago
Kerala HC: 'Doctor' Title Not Exclusive to Medical Professionals
The Kerala High Court has said that the title 'doctor' is not only for medical professionals.
Long ago, 'doctor' was used for very learned people who could teach in areas like theology, law, and philosophy.
Now, people with high qualifications like a PhD can also use the title.
The court dismissed complaints from doctors who wanted to stop physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using 'Dr'.
The court said the law does not give only medical professionals the right to use 'Dr' and it would not change the rules made by the central government.
Kerala High Court dismissed pleas by medical professionals against physiotherapists and occupational therapists using 'Dr'.
The court stated that the title 'doctor' is not exclusive to medical professionals.
Originally, 'doctor' referred to learned individuals qualified to teach in various fields.
The NMC Act does not provide for the exclusive use of 'Dr' by MBBS graduates.
The court refused to alter the provisions of the NCAHP Act to limit the scope of physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
- Who
- Kerala High Court, Medical professionals, Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists
- What
- Dismissal of pleas against the use of 'Dr' by non-medical professionals
- Where
- Kerala High Court, Kochi
- When
- January 24
- Why
- To clarify that the title 'doctor' is not exclusive to medical professionals and to uphold the provisions of the NCAHP Act
Key facts
- Court
- Kerala High Court
- Petitioners
- Medical professionals
- Acts Mentioned
- NMC Act, NCAHP Act 2021
- Judge
- Justice V G Arun
- Key Point
- Title 'doctor' not exclusive to medical professionals
- Historical Context
- Originally meant a learned person qualified to teach
- Current Usage
- PhD holders and others with higher educational qualifications can use the title
Quotes
Kerala High Court
High Court of Kerala
“It would be inappropriate to 'tinker' with the policy of the central government or read down the provisions of the NCAHP Act or the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy at the instance of a few medical professionals.”
m.rediff.com
“In the absence of such provision, the petitioners (doctors) cannot claim exclusive right to use the prefix 'Dr'.”
m.rediff.com
Justice V G Arun
Justice of the Kerala High Court
“Therefore, the contention that the title 'doctor' exclusively belongs to medical professionals is a misconception since even now, like in the olden times, persons with higher educational qualifications like PhD are entitled to use the title 'doctor'.”
m.rediff.com
Sources
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