Physiotherapists Cannot Use ‘Dr.’ Prefix, Title Reserved For Medical Practitioners Only, Review Underway: DGHS News24 –

By Correspondent On Sep 10, 2025

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed that physiotherapists are not entitled to use the prefix ‘Dr’. The organization stated that the prefix “Dr.” is only reserved for registered medical practitioners and the matter is under further examination.

Earlier, a letter written by the DGHS, Dr Sunita Sharma, to the IMA National President, Dr Dilip Bhanushali, mentioned that an official committee had reiterated that people with qualifications in physiotherapy should drop the prefix Dr. They are not entitled to use it under any circumstances whatsoever.

The matter regarding the directive issued by DGHS that ‘Dr’ is reserved only for registered medical practitioners and physiotherapists not being entitled to use the prefix ‘Dr’, is under further examination: Official Sources

— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2025

The letter written on September 9 stated, “It is hereby directed that the usage of the prefix ‘Dr. for physiotherapists in the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy – Approved Syllabus 2025 be removed forthwith. A more appropriate and respectful title may be considered for graduates and postgraduates of physiotherapy, without causing ambiguity to patients or the public.”

The letter noted that the Directorate has received multiple appeals and firm disagreements from several organizations regarding the use of the prefix “Dr.” and the suffix “PT”. Among these were the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR).

“The General Body had also obtained a legal opinion, which stated that any physiotherapist using the title “Doctor” without holding a recognized medical qualification would be violating provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916. Such a violation attracts action under Section 7 of the Act for contravention of Sections 6 & 6A.

This legal opinion was adopted by the Council in its meeting held on March 23, 2004. Accordingly, the Committee reiterated that persons with qualifications in physiotherapy are not entitled to use the prefix ‘Dr’ under any circumstances whatsoever,” the letter said.

(With ANI Inputs)

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