Latest Update: Physiotherapist Dr Prefix Ban in India | DGHS Order and Title Controversy 2025

In September 2025, a major announcement changed the landscape of Indian healthcare: physiotherapists in India can no longer use the “Dr” prefix before their names, as ruled by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Background: Dr Prefix Controversy for Physiotherapists in India

For years, the use of the Dr prefix by physiotherapists has been a subject of fierce debate in India. In April 2025, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) approved a new curriculum that appeared to grant physiotherapy graduates the right to use the prefix “Dr” with the suffix “PT”. This move was initially seen as an attempt to recognise the important role of physiotherapy in modern healthcare—but it quickly ignited controversy, with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and many medical professionals raising objections about the implications for patient safety and public clarity.

DGHS Order: Physiotherapists Cannot Use Dr Prefix

On September 9, 2025, the DGHS issue became national news after they directed that all physiotherapists must remove the Dr prefix from their titles immediately. The official letter from DGHS director Dr Sunita Sharma stated that this usage would create public confusion—misleading patients into believing physiotherapists are qualified medical doctors[1][2]. The directive referenced the **Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916**, which reserves the use of the “Dr” title for those with recognized medical degrees, including graduates of modern medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani streams.

Legal Rulings and Medical Association Objections

A key aspect of the order is that it aligns with several legal precedents. High courts in Patna (2003), Bengaluru (2020), and Madras (2022) have consistently ruled that physiotherapists are not entitled to the Dr prefix unless registered in the State Medical Register as medical practitioners[4][1][2][5]. Advisory notes from state medical councils—including the Tamil Nadu Medical Council—have specifically barred physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using “Dr” as a title. According to the latest DGHS guidance, any physiotherapist continuing to use the Dr prefix will be liable for legal action under the Indian Medical Degrees Act.

Why Was the DGHS Ban Implemented?

The DGHS ban on the Dr prefix for physiotherapists is based on three primary concerns:

- Patient Safety: Physiotherapists are not trained to undertake primary care or medical diagnosis. Allowing them to use “Dr” could mislead patients into seeking inappropriate or unsafe treatments.

- Clarity for Public and Medical Community: The title “Doctor” is an important legal and professional distinction in India, reserved for those who have completed specific degrees and registration. Letting physiotherapists call themselves Dr would blur this clarity and increase risks of quackery.

- Compliance with Law and Medical Ethics: The Indian Medical Degrees Act has always restricted the “Dr” prefix to graduates with approved medical credentials, and the latest DGHS order on physiotherapist title re-emphasizes this compliance.

Response from the Physiotherapy and Medical Communities

Reactions across India have been strong. The Indian Medical Association considers the new DGHS guidance on the physiotherapist Dr title a victory for medical ethics, affirming that only true medical doctors, trained and registered, can use the Dr prefix. Meanwhile, many leaders in the physiotherapy field argue that this restricts the recognition and status their profession deserves within the broader healthcare system. Despite this, the law now obligates all practitioners and clinics to update signage, letterheads, and digital profiles in accordance with the fresh order.

Legal and Professional Implications

Any misuse of the physiotherapist Dr title in India can result in prosecution under the Medical Degrees Act. This means physiotherapists should immediately cease using “Dr” before their names, whether in practice, advertising, or online profiles. Violators are open to penalty, censure, and loss of reputation within the healthcare sector.

What Title Can Physiotherapists Use?

While “Dr” is now off-limits, the DGHS order acknowledges the need for a new, respectful, and professional physiotherapy title. Stakeholders have been encouraged to propose alternative titles that honor physiotherapy qualifications without misleading the public. Suggestions include using “PT” as a suffix or other unique designations that clarify the role of physiotherapists in the healthcare team.

What Should Patients and Practitioners Do?

- Patients: Always check healthcare provider credentials before treatment. From September 2025, only those with recognized medical qualifications are legally allowed to use the Dr prefix in India.

- Practitioners: Review all print and online material for compliance with the new order. Using the Dr prefix as a physiotherapist now constitutes a legal offense.

Conclusion: Physiotherapists Dr Prefix Banned in India—What’s Next?

The latest update on physiotherapist Dr prefix India sets a clear standard: Only registered medical practitioners can use “Dr”; physiotherapists must find a new, distinctive title. This move by the DGHS seeks to protect patient safety, uphold medical ethics, and bring an end to a long-standing controversy within Indian healthcare.

For real-time updates and professional guidance on using medical titles and physiotherapist credentials in India, keep following the official Ministry of Health, DGHS, and regulatory body notifications..