Physiotherapists not doctors; can’t use ‘Dr’ prefix: Government’s health authority

The directive, issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Union Health Ministry on September 9, followed strong objections from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and several other medical bodies. The IMA, which represents over four lakh doctors, had raised concerns over physiotherapists using the title traditionally associated with medical practitioners.

The timing of the order is notable, as it came just a day after World Physiotherapy Day was observed worldwide. On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded physiotherapists on social media for their significant role in improving the health, well-being, and dignity of people, especially the elderly.

Earlier this year, physiotherapists were allowed to use the prefix after the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, approved their curriculum on April 23. The latest move, however, has rolled back that permission, reigniting debate over the professional designation.

In a letter dated September 9, DGHS Dr. Sunita Sharma stated that by using the ‘Dr.’ prefix, physiotherapists will be in legal violation of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.

“Physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors and, therefore, should not use the prefix ‘Dr.’, as it misleads patients and the general public, potentially leading to quackery,” Sharma said in the letter addressed to Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, National President, IMA.

“Physiotherapists should not be permitted to primary care practice and should only treat referred patients, as they are not trained to diagnose medical conditions, some of which may worsen with inappropriate physiotherapy intervention,” she added.

The DG said that points of concern were highlighted that Physiotherapists were not trained as medical doctors and, therefore, should not use the prefix ‘Dr.’, as it misleads patients and the general public, potentially leading to quackery.