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Kerala High Court Bars ‘Dr.’ Prefix for Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists Without Medical Degrees

The court flagged a prima facie conflict with the Indian Medical Degrees Act arising from the 2025 allied‑health curriculum.

Overview

  • Justice V. G. Arun issued an interim order on November 4 directing authorities to prevent use of the title by those lacking recognised medical qualifications.
  • The petition was filed by the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, which argues the title should be restricted to holders of medical degrees.
  • The case is listed for further hearing on December 1.
  • The court noted a Health Ministry directive seeking removal of the prefix from the 2025 physiotherapy syllabus, though that directive was later withdrawn.
  • IAPMR leaders welcomed the ruling as a curb on professional misrepresentation and as reinforcement of the legal protection for medical titles.