The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has instructed that physiotherapists should not use the prefix “Dr,” warning that it could mislead patients into believing they are medical doctors. The advisory comes in response to the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy, 2025, which suggested that graduates could use “Dr” before their name along with the suffix “PT.”
Concerns Raised by Medical Bodies
In a letter to the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the DGHS highlighted objections from multiple groups, including the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR). The regulator stressed that physiotherapists are trained in rehabilitation, not in medicine, and presenting themselves as doctors could confuse the public and risk promoting quackery.
Referral-Based Practice Recommended
The DGHS clarified that physiotherapists should practice under the referral of a medical doctor and should not function as primary care providers. Using the title “Dr” without a recognised medical degree is considered a violation of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, and could invite legal action.
Legal Precedents Support DGHS Advisory
Courts and medical councils have consistently ruled against physiotherapists using the prefix. Key rulings include:
- Patna High Court (2003)
- Bengaluru Court (2020)
- Madras High Court (2022)
Advisories from state medical councils, such as the Tamil Nadu Medical Council, reinforce that “Dr” is reserved for registered medical practitioners.
Curriculum Changes Directed
The DGHS has now ordered the physiotherapy curriculum to be revised immediately. It suggested that a more appropriate title be used for physiotherapy graduates—one that recognizes their professional qualifications without misleading the public.
