Kerala High Court directs that the “Dr.” prefix cannot be used by physiotherapists or occupational therapists without recognised medical qualification under the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.
CASE IN NEWSThe Kerala High Court directed authorities to ensure ‘Dr.’ not used by physiotherapists without medical qualification, upholding the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916 . |
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CASE OVERVIEW
CASE NAME: Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR) vs. Union of India and Ors.
Justice V.G. Arun of the Kerala High Court heard a petition highlighting a conflict between the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916 and the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, 2025 . The petition challenged the use of the prefix “Dr.” by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists who lack recognised medical qualifications . The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had earlier issued directions to remove the “Dr.” prefix from the approved syllabus for physiotherapists .
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KEY ASPECTS
Before issuing the interim order, the Court examined both statutory and curriculum-based provisions . It found prima facie evidence of unauthorised use of the “Dr.” title .
- Conflict existed between the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916 and competency-based curriculum clauses .
- Petitioners argued that physiotherapists without medical qualification cannot use “Dr.” before their names .
- The Ministry had already directed the removal of “Dr.” from the syllabus .
- The issue concerns misleading representation of professional qualifications .
LEGAL INSIGHTS
The Court examined relevant legal provisions ensuring clarity in medical titles .
- Section 2 of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916 prohibits the conferment or assumption of the title “Doctor” without recognised medical qualification .
- Section 3 of the same Act penalises any person using “Dr.” without being duly qualified under law .
- The direction also aligns with the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, which restricts medical titles to registered practitioners.
- The order safeguards the public from misrepresentation and upholds professional authenticity .
COURT’S VERDICT
The Kerala High Court issued a direction to the competent authorities to ensure ‘Dr.’ is not used by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists without recognised medical qualification . The matter is posted for further hearing on December 1, 2025 .
Source – High Court of Kerala
Read also – Legal Glossary: Petition
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