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Physiotherapists cannot use ‘Dr’ title, clarifies DGHS

  •   Thu, Sep 11 2025 09:36:06 AM

Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 11: The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a directive stating that physiotherapists are not entitled to use the prefix ‘Dr’, which is reserved exclusively for registered medical practitioners.

The clarification comes after several representations and objections from medical organisations, including the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, over physiotherapists using the ‘Dr’ prefix and ‘PT’ suffix.

The DGHS noted that physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors and should not present themselves as such, as it could mislead patients and the public, potentially encouraging quackery. It further stressed that physiotherapists are not permitted to practice as primary care providers and should only treat referred patients, as they are not qualified to diagnose medical conditions.

Citing earlier court rulings and medical council advisories, the directive pointed out that the title ‘Doctor’ may only be used by registered practitioners of modern medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani. Any physiotherapist using the title without recognised medical qualifications would be violating the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.

 

 

 
  

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Comment on this article

  • Carrie Blevin, Amre,Lowa, United State

    Mon, Sep 22 2025

    As someone who has experienced the challenges of cancer, I found support through ( DrOdiaherbalhome ) On Facebook. Their natural approach and nutritional products made a real difference for me. I encourage others to learn more about their health and explore available options.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Raheja Waterfront

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    A good doctor treats the disease, a great doctor treats the patient who has the disease ...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    What about the Dentists who are using a prefix Dr. Dentists are not studying MBBS.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai-Mangalauru

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    In dental sciences, too, they have created many super specialities unlike the "all rounder" BDS, of yesteryears, who could handle most of the cases! I have seen so many roadside dentists operating outside Bandra station (W) doing most of the basic dental jobs at a fraction of the rates what a BDS would charge! Then there are so many sex, VD, and piles specialist doctors operating in many crowded places in the city!

    DisAgree Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai-Mangalauru

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    These people are still in archaic times! In times gone by, when there were hardly a few GPs with MBBS, scattered around (even in places like Mumbai), each had a dedicated compounder who were skilled enough, not only to dispense medicines, but also give injections and perform small operations; these same compounders, after working with the GP would write an exam and would gain RMP or LIM degrees & could freely use the title of Dr. & practice independently; I personally have taken treatment of such RMPs, in the absence of regular GPs! In advanced countries, due to lack of doctors, trained nurses can treat & prescribe medications in emergency situations & a doctor who mentions his degrees cannot use the abbreviation of Dr. and vice versa! BTW; in our country, chemists (SSLC pass) give medicines like candys just by listening to the buyers symptoms (especially the poor and underprivileged)! Today there is no value for a GP; specialists & super specialists have made 'holistic treatment' a big joke; they treat humans as robots, part by part!! The above is a very personal opinion based on my understanding and experience ☺️🙏

    DisAgree [3] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Muscat

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    I remember to have come across few medical practitioner with a degree below that of a doctor is typically called a Physician Assistant (PA) or Physician Associate but they were/are act as medical consultant or treat miner illnesses and being callled as Doctor so & so . One from Valencia and another in Kankanady & elsewhere. Their degree mention under their name I do not remember but they were also, known as compounders in general but well know for the positive results.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Brahmavara

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    Medical Act 1916 formed by British. Obirayana kalada marre. British moved on with many regulation and acts where Physiotherapists in the UK are working in the primary care as advanced practitioner and perform Ultrasound guided injection and prescribe medication. Grow up Indian Medicos and don't fool the people like your politicians do. Your knowledge is still in1916.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • suhail, mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    Except India, rest of the word uses Doctor (title) for "Dr." is reserved for medical doctors or those with a PhD,

    DisAgree [4] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • D.Shetty, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    phd or some doctorate recipient should not be entitled to use Dr. let them use some other prefix

    DisAgree [7] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ganesh Shenoy, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    For your kind information, the title "Dr." is, in fact, originally intended for individuals who hold a PhD. The word "Doctor" comes from the Latin doctor, which means "teacher" or "instructor." It is derived from the Latin verb docere, meaning "to teach." This is why many medical professionals in Western countries simply use suffixes like "MD" or "MS" rather than the title "Dr." The title "Doctor" predates modern medicine and was first conferred in academia, not clinical practice. PhD holders are trained researchers and educators, and therefore fully entitled to use the title "Dr."

    DisAgree [11] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • sg, dk

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    What about the doctors of philosophy?

    DisAgree Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • ma.sa, karkala

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    The honorary titles given by the Universities for the literates or illiterates also should not be used as Dr.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mahathma, Surathkal

    Thu, Sep 11 2025

    Also, why can't you revoke the Engineer titles from diploma holders?

    DisAgree [5] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse


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