DGHS Bars Physiotherapists from Using ‘Dr.’ Prefix, Cites Legal Violation
New Delhi, September 10, 2025 — The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a directive prohibiting physiotherapists from using the prefix “Dr.”, clarifying that the title is reserved for registered medical practitioners. The move has reignited a long-standing debate over professional titles in India’s healthcare ecosystem.
DGHS Issues Clear Directive
In an official letter dated September 9, DGHS Director General Dr. Sunita Sharma stated that physiotherapists using the “Dr.” prefix would be in violation of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.
“Physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors and, therefore, should not use the prefix ‘Dr.’, as it misleads patients and the general public, potentially leading to quackery,” Sharma wrote in a communication addressed to Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, National President, Indian Medical Association (IMA).
The DGHS stressed that physiotherapists are not trained to diagnose medical conditions and should only treat patients referred by medical doctors. Sharma warned that inappropriate physiotherapy intervention could worsen certain medical conditions.
Legal and Judicial Precedents
The letter cited previous legal pronouncements from the Patna High Court and Madras High Court, along with medical council advisories, which explicitly barred physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using the “Dr.” title.
It further reminded that any violation could invite penal action under Section 7 of the Indian Medical Degrees Act for contravention of Sections 6 and 6A. The DGHS recalled that as far back as March 2004, the Council’s Ethics Committee had concluded that only registered medical practitioners of Modern Medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani were legally permitted to use the “Dr.” prefix.
Clash with NCAHP’s 2025 Curriculum
The DGHS directive comes just months after the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) permitted physiotherapists to use the “Dr.” prefix, followed by “PT” as a suffix, under the revised 2025 Physiotherapy Curriculum.
The NCAHP’s announcement in April 2025 was welcomed by physiotherapy professionals across India, as it sought to bring parity with global practices where physiotherapists are often addressed as “Doctors of Physical Therapy.”
However, the DGHS letter has now created fresh uncertainty. Sharma has directed that the “Dr.” prefix in the competency-based physiotherapy curriculum be removed immediately, while suggesting that a “more appropriate and respectful title” be considered for graduates and postgraduates of physiotherapy.
Why This Matters
The conflicting positions of two key health bodies — NCAHP and DGHS — have sparked confusion in India’s healthcare sector. For physiotherapists, the title is not just a matter of prestige but also professional identity, recognition, and parity with international standards.
For medical doctors, however, the concern lies in patient safety and public trust. The fear is that patients may confuse physiotherapists with medical doctors, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment of serious conditions.
The debate also has implications for healthcare regulation in India, where title misuse has been a recurring issue across nursing, homeopathy, ayurveda, and paramedical professions.
Voices from the Field
While the DGHS has stood firm on its directive, physiotherapists have expressed disappointment. Many argue that physiotherapy requires five years of professional study and clinical practice, making them deserving of recognition.
Meanwhile, doctors and medical associations welcomed the move, reiterating that only medical graduates and postgraduates with recognized medical degrees should be permitted to use the “Dr.” prefix.
The Road Ahead
With two official positions at odds, the Union Health Ministry is expected to step in to provide clarity. Until then, physiotherapists may face challenges in using the “Dr.” title publicly, despite the NCAHP’s earlier approval.
The matter could also reach the courts again if professional bodies seek judicial intervention.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The DGHS directive adds a new chapter to India’s complex healthcare title debate. While physiotherapists demand recognition for their rigorous training, regulatory authorities are focused on protecting patients from potential confusion.
As India moves towards strengthening allied healthcare services, a balanced resolution that ensures both professional dignity and patient clarity will be essential.