Physiotherapist ‘Dr’ Prefix: Centre withdraws ban, says issue under review

Physiotherapist ‘Dr’ Prefix: The Central Government has withdrawn its order prohibiting physiotherapists from using the prefix “Dr,” just a day after issuing the directive. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said the matter “requires further examination,” leaving the controversy unresolved.

On September 9, in a letter addressed to Indian Medical Association (IMA) National President Dr Dilip Bhanushali, DGHS Director General Dr Sunita Sharma stated that physiotherapists could not use the “Dr” prefix, citing legal restrictions under the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.

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The letter noted, “…persons with qualifications in physiotherapy are not entitled to use the prefix ‘Dr’ under any circumstances whatsoever.”

It further directed: “In view of the above, 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.”

Opposition from medical bodies

The September 9 directive followed strong objections from bodies such as the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR). The association argued that physiotherapists are not trained medical doctors and should not be allowed to use the title.

The letter also cited earlier rulings by courts and medical councils — including those in Patna, Tamil Nadu, and Bengaluru — which had upheld the prohibition.

Retraction a day later

However, on September 10, in another communication addressed to the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), AIIMS Nagpur, and the IMA, the DGHS withdrew its earlier stance.

The letter stated: “This is with reference to the D.O. Letter No.Z.28017/91/2025-SAS-III (FTS.8356966) dated 9th September, 2025 regarding the use of the prefix ‘Dr’ and suffix ‘PT’ by Physiotherapists in India. Thereafter, representations have been received on this matter which require further examination and deliberations. Hence, the aforesaid D.O. letter may be treated as withdrawn as the matter requires further examination.”

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Pysiotherapists react

This has triggered sharp responses from senior professionals, who argue that their role as first-line healthcare providers warrants the continued use of the title.

Pooja Sethi, Head of Department (Physiotherapy), Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, emphasised that physiotherapists are recognised as primary medical practitioners.

“The physiotherapists are the first-hand medical practitioners and they should be allowed to put ‘Dr’ as the prefix. Earlier, there was no apex body for physiotherapists, but now we have a regulatory commission body — National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP). All the physiotherapists across the country are practicing as per the guidelines of the NCAHP, which allows us to use ‘Dr’ as the prefix. The DGHS should allow the physiotherapists to put ‘Dr’ as the prefix before their name,” she said.

Dr Indramani Upadhyay, MPT (Ortho), HOD at The Center for Knee and Hip Care, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, highlighted the confusion created by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). “The DGHS first issued a letter directing physiotherapists not to use the ‘Dr’ prefix, but later the same day withdrew it. This shows there may have been either a mistake or a lack of complete understanding on their part — perhaps even a human error,” he said.

He stressed that physiotherapists already have clear regulatory oversight.

“From my perspective, the regulating body for physiotherapists is the NCAHP, and it has already taken decisions regarding our designation. We are prepared to follow those guidelines,” he said.

“Physiotherapists have their own professional identity, and even if we use ‘PT’ after our names, that recognition is not always acknowledged. If NCAHP authorises the use of the ‘Dr’ prefix, then all physiotherapists will follow it. Ultimately, it is for the government to take the final call on what should be implemented,” Dr Upadhyay added.

Unresolved status

The controversy began after the NCAHP, in its Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy 2025, recommended the use of the title “Physiotherapist” with the prefix “Dr” and suffix “PT.”

With the DGHS retracting its ban but keeping the issue under review, the status of physiotherapists using the prefix remains undecided.