Kerala High Court Restrains Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists Without Recognised Medical Qualification From Using "Dr." Title

The Kerala High Court, by a interim order has restrained the use of "Dr." title by Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists without recognised medical qualification.

The Bench of Justice V. G. Arun while considering the Writ Petition seeking direction to the competent authorities held, ".....Interesting also to note that by Ext.P4 order, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had directed to forthwith remove the usage of the prefix “Dr.” for Physiotherapists in the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy – Approved Syllabus, 2025 on the premise that any Physiotherapist using the title 'Doctor' without holding a recognised medical qualification would be violating the provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916. Although Ext.P4 was later withdrawn as per Ext.P5, I find the petitioner to have made out a prima facie case."

The Petitioner was represented by Senior Advocate V.V. Asokan, while the Respondents were represented by Central Government Counsel Mahadev M.J. and K.S. Prenjith Kumar.

The Court duly took note of the submission that there is an apparent conflict between the provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916 and the clauses in the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy and issued noticed to the concerned authorities.

The matter has been posted for next hearing on December 01, 2025.

Cause Title: Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation v. Union of India

Click here to read/ download Order