The Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR) has welcomed the Kerala High Court’s interim order directing that physiotherapists and occupational therapists who do not hold recognised medical degrees must refrain from using the prefix ‘Dr.’ before their names.
Court issues interim directive following IAPMR petition
The interim order, issued on November 4, 2025, came in response to a petition filed by the IAPMR, which alleged that several physiotherapists and occupational therapists were unauthorisedly using the ‘Dr.’ title, misleading patients and the public.
The petition argued that such usage violated the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, which reserves the title for those holding medical degrees recognised under the law. The IAPMR contended that the continued misuse of the prefix by individuals without recognised medical qualifications diluted professional credibility and posed a risk of confusion among patients seeking medical care.
Justice Arun notes conflict between existing laws and curriculum guidelines
Justice V.G. Arun, who presided over the matter, noted that there appeared to be an apparent conflict between the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, and certain clauses in the Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (Approved Syllabus 2025) issued by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP).
While the 1916 Act restricts the use of medical titles to those qualified under the recognised medical system, the NCAHP’s curriculum has reportedly allowed practitioners of physiotherapy and occupational therapy to use the prefix ‘Dr.’ in academic contexts — a provision the association claimed was being misinterpreted and misused in clinical and public settings.
Case posted for further hearing in December
The High Court, while issuing the interim order, directed the authorities to ensure strict compliance with the existing legal framework governing medical titles. The case has been posted for further hearing on December 1, 2025, when the Court is expected to examine the submissions of the NCAHP and other respondents.
Following the ruling, the IAPMR expressed satisfaction with the Court’s intervention, stating that it would help protect the integrity of medical practice and safeguard patients from potential misrepresentation.
IAPMR welcomes order, calls for nationwide clarity
In a statement, the association said the decision reaffirmed the importance of clear professional boundaries among different healthcare streams. “We welcome the Kerala High Court’s order and urge other states and regulatory bodies to issue similar clarifications to prevent misuse of the title ‘Dr.’ by those not holding recognised medical degrees,” an IAPMR spokesperson said.
The organisation also called for greater coordination between the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the NCAHP to harmonise regulations and avoid ambiguity in professional designations.
Debate over professional titles continues
The issue of physiotherapists and other allied healthcare professionals using the title ‘Dr.’ has been a long-standing debate in India’s medical community. While some argue that the title should reflect doctoral-level education or research credentials, others maintain that using it in clinical settings without a recognised medical degree misleads patients into assuming the individual is a physician.
Legal experts point out that similar restrictions have been upheld in other states, reinforcing that professional transparency is essential to maintaining public trust in the healthcare system.
Conclusion
The Kerala High Court’s directive has reignited discussions on regulating healthcare titles and ensuring that professional identities remain transparent and lawful. The outcome of the next hearing on December 1 is expected to provide further clarity on how such designations will be governed under both existing and emerging healthcare frameworks.