Overview

• In a September 9 letter, the Directorate General of Health Services directed removal of the 'Dr' prefix for physiotherapists from the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy — Approved Syllabus 2025.
• The directive states the title is reserved for registered medical practitioners under the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, warning that violations could attract action under Section 7.
• Cited precedents include judgments from the Patna High Court (2003), a Bengaluru court (2020), and the Madras High Court, along with an advisory from the Tamil Nadu Medical Council.
• The DGHS said physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors, should not serve as primary-care providers, and should treat patients on referral to avoid misleading the public.
• Officials said the issue is under further examination, the DGHS suggested considering a different respectful designation, and the Indian Medical Association welcomed the directive.