Physiotherapists Barred from Using ‘Dr.’ Prefix

Speedy Summary

• The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has directed that physiotherapists are not entitled to use the title “Dr.”
• The directive follows objections from organizations such as the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and others.
• Concerns have arisen due to the Competency-based Curriculum for Physiotherapy Approved Syllabus 2025 by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.
• Key issues include:

– physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors, and using “Dr.” could mislead patients and lead to quackery.
– Physiotherapists should only treat referred patients, as they lack training in diagnosing medical conditions.

• Existing legal pronouncements restrict the title “Doctor” to registered practitioners of modern medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani, nursing staff holding valid qualifications under specific laws.
• Violations would contravene provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The DGHS directive highlights a long-standing debate over professional titles in India’s healthcare ecosystem. By restricting physiotherapists from using “Dr.,” this clarification seeks to mitigate public confusion regarding medical qualifications while safeguarding patient safety. The decision aligns with established legal frameworks that differentiate roles within healthcare professions. However, this may fuel discussions on broader recognition for allied health professionals’ contributions.

India’s growing reliance on multidisciplinary healthcare necessitates clear role demarcations to ensure unified standards.Upholding ethical openness is critical but balancing hierarchical structures with equitable respect for all health fields will also be key as India shapes its future healthcare agenda.

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