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The Kerala High Court on Thursday issued an interim order barring physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using “Dr” prefix without recognised medical qualifications. The court was hearing a plea filed by Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR). While passing them interim order, Justice V.G. Arun said, “There is an apparent conflict between the provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, and the clauses in the Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.” The court directed the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) and the State Allied and Healthcare Council to ensure that the prefix “Dr.” is not used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists without a recognised medical qualification. These professionals should restrain from proclaiming themselves as first healthcare providers. “Interesting also to note that by Ext.P4 order, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had directed to forthwith remove the usage of the prefix “Dr.” for Physiotherapists in the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy – Approved Syllabus, 2025 on the premise that any Physiotherapist using the title ‘Doctor’ without holding a recognised medical qualification would be violating the provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916. Although Ext.P4 was later withdrawn as per Ext.P5, I find the petitioner to have made out a prima facie case,” the Court’s order read. The case will be next heard on December 1.
