The “Dr” prefix for physiotherapists has been removed from the recently released physiotherapy curriculum by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), which claims that its use could mislead patients and create misunderstanding over their role in healthcare. The DGHS addressed concerns expressed by professional organizations, such as the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR), over a clause in the Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy, 2025, in a formal letter to the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
According to the curriculum, which was made public in April of this year, graduates of physiotherapy programs could use “Dr.” before their names and then “PT.” Despite being essential to patient care, physiotherapists are not qualified as medical professionals and should not be portrayed as such, according to DGHS Director General Dr. Sunita Sharma. The letter said, “Physiotherapists should not use the prefix ‘Dr,’ as it misleads patients and the general public, potentially leading to quackery, as they are not trained as medical doctors.”
The ministry of health (DGHS) has urged physiotherapists to rely on referrals from licensed medical practitioners and to use the “Dr” title only for registered practitioners. The DGHS warns that unauthorized use without a medical degree violates the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, and recommends corrections to the curriculum.
