Kerala HC Bans Use of ‘Dr.’ Prefix by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists
The Kerala High Court has issued an interim order stopping physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using the prefix ‘Dr.’ unless they possess a recognised medical qualification.
Justice VG Arun passed the order while hearing a plea filed by the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR). The association alleged that physiotherapists and occupational therapists were using the prefix ‘Dr.’ without being qualified medical practitioners, which violates the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.
The Court noted that there appears to be a prima facie conflict between the 1916 Act and the Competency-Based Curriculums for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (2025), which had permitted the use of the ‘Dr.’ title for these professionals.
Justice Arun observed that an earlier order from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (dated September 9, 2025) had already directed the removal of the ‘Dr.’ prefix from the approved physiotherapy syllabus, citing legal violations. However, the Ministry withdrew that order the following day.
After considering the facts, the Court found that the petitioner had a valid case and directed the authorities to restrain physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using the prefix ‘Dr.’ unless they hold a recognised medical degree.
The case will next be heard on December 1, 2025.
Senior Advocate VV Asokan, along with advocates S Parvathi, TK Sreekala, Nikitha Susan Paulson, Uthara Asokan, and KG Anil, appeared for the petitioner. The Union government was represented by Central Government Counsel Mahadev MJ, and KS Prenjith Kumar appeared for the National Medical Commission.
