Copyright indiatoday
The Kerala High Court has directed physiotherapists and occupational therapists not to use the prefix ‘Dr’ before their names without a recognised medical qualification, in one of its interim judgments, delivered on Friday.The decision came after the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR) filed a petition in the High Court, seeking to put an end to the tradition of physiotherapists and occupational therapists using the ‘Dr’ prefix like the first-line healthcare providers.Earlier, the Union Health Ministry ordered the removal of the use of the ‘Dr’ prefix in the competency-based curriculum for physiotherapy. The decision was taken because adding ‘Doctor’ before the name by those without a recognised medical degree is against the Indian Medical Degrees Act. However, the Ministry later withdrew the order.The IAPMR filed the plea against the Centre’s withdrawal. Based on the plea, Justice VG Arun issued a notice to the concerned parties and asked the physiotherapists and the occupational therapists not to use the prefix..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}The court will further consider the petition on November 1.- EndsPublished By: Akash ChatterjeePublished On: Nov 7, 2025Tune InMust Watch
