Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists Can’t Use ‘Dr.’ Without a Medical Degree: Kerala HC
Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists Can’t Use ‘Dr.’ Without a Medical Degree: Kerala HC
Setting a clear boundary on professional titles within the healthcare sector, the Kerala High Court has issued an interim directive prohibiting physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using the prefix ‘Dr’ before their names unless they possess a recognised medical qualification. The ruling, delivered on Friday by Justice V.G. Arun, aims to prevent confusion among patients regarding who is legally entitled to use the title of “doctor.”
The order comes in response to a petition filed by the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR), which argued that physiotherapists and occupational therapists should not use the ‘Dr’ prefix since they are not recognised as medical doctors under existing laws. The association urged the court to end what it described as a misleading practice among certain healthcare professionals.
Earlier, the Union Health Ministry had directed the removal of the ‘Dr’ prefix from the competency-based curriculum for physiotherapy, citing that the usage of “Doctor” without holding a recognised medical degree violates the Indian Medical Degrees Act of 1916. However, the Ministry later reversed its decision, allowing the prefix to remain in the curriculum.
Challenging this reversal, the IAPMR approached the High Court, arguing that the withdrawal of the earlier order contradicted the provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act. Taking note of the matter, Justice Arun issued notices to the concerned authorities and directed physiotherapists and occupational therapists to refrain from using the ‘Dr’ title until the issue is resolved.
The Court also acknowledged what it called “an apparent conflict between the provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, and the clauses included in the Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (Approved Syllabus 2025)” framed by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.
The interim ruling, dated November 4, 2025, marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over professional designations in healthcare. The matter has now been scheduled for further hearing on December 1, when the High Court is expected to deliberate on the legality of the prefix’s use in greater detail.
