Physiotherapists, occupational therapists can use the ‘Dr.’ title, says Kerala HC

The Kerala High Court has held that physiotherapists and occupational therapists are entitled to use the title “Doctor” and to prefix “Dr.” to their names.

A Bench led by Justice V.G. Arun observed recently that the title “Dr.” is not the exclusive preserve of medical practitioners, and dismissed the petitions filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation challenging its use by these professionals.

The court noted that the National Medical Commission Act does not contain any provision conferring the title “Dr.” exclusively on medical professionals. It therefore held that the belief that only medical doctors can use the title is a misconception. Drawing a parallel with earlier times, the court pointed out that individuals with higher academic qualifications, such as PhDs, have long been entitled to use the title “Doctor.” It further observed that health-care professionals are entitled to provide preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health services.

Physiotherapists had argued that their field constitutes an independent branch of health science and that their curriculum recognises them as first-contact healthcare providers within their specific domain.

The court also took note of its interim order issued in November, in which it had restrained physiotherapists and occupational therapists who do not possess recognised medical qualifications from using the prefix “Dr.” In that interim order, the court had held that such professionals should not project themselves as first health-care providers and had emphasised that their services should remain supportive in nature and function under qualified medical professionals.