Physiotherapists barred from using 'Doctor' title

The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a guideline saying that physiotherapists do not have the right to write the word 'doctor' before their name. Only registered doctors can use this title. Dr. Sharma, outlining the points of concern in his letter, said that physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors.

The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a guideline saying that physiotherapists do not have the right to write the word 'doctor' before their name. Only registered doctors can use this title.

Only registered doctors can use this title

In a letter to Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, President of Indian Medical Association (IMA), DGHS Dr. Sunita Sharma said that the Directorate has received several memoranda and objections from various organizations including Indian Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Association (IAPMR) regarding the use of 'doctor' before their name by physiotherapists.

Physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors

Dr Sharma, while outlining the points of concern in his letter, said that physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors. Therefore, they should not use the title 'doctor' before their name, as this may mislead patients and the general public. This may promote quacks.

He said that physiotherapists should not be allowed to do primary treatment. They should only treat referred patients, as they are not trained to diagnose medical conditions. Some of these conditions may worsen with improper physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists should not use 'doctor' before their names

Dr Sharma also cited some important judgments, including a 2003 order of the Patna High Court, which said that unless physiotherapists are registered in the state medical register, they cannot practice modern medicine or use the word 'doctor' before their names.

A 2016 advisory issued by the Tamil Nadu Medical Council also warned physiotherapists against using the word 'doctor' before their names and described them as 'paramedic' or 'technician'.

Physiotherapists not recognised as doctors

In 2020, a Bengaluru court banned physiotherapists from using "doctor" and insisted that they should work under the supervision of a physician.

The Madras High Court in 2022 upheld the ban on the use of the word "doctor" by physiotherapists and held that they were not recognised as "doctors" under the IMC Act.