Doctors body hails Kerala HC interim order preventing Dr prefix for physiotherapists

NEW DELHI: Hailing the Kerala High Court interim order restraining physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using the Dr prefix , a doctors body said this would prevent professional misrepresentation and ensure the public is not misled on the qualifications of healthcare professionals. The Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR) said the interim direction reinforces the position that the title Doctor is protected under the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, and that physiotherapy and occupational therapy professionals function as vital supportive healthcare providers under the supervision of qualified medical professionals, not as independent first-contact practitioners. Dr Muralidharan PC, President of IAPMR, said, We are grateful to the High Court for recognising the sanctity of medical qualifications and ensuring patient safety. This order upholds the integrity of the medical profession and clarifies the rightful role of allied health professionals within the healthcare system. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) National President, Dr Dilip Bhanushali, also welcomed the interim order and said it is binding on the government. Speaking with this paper, he said, We are waiting for the final order and will accordingly move forward. The Kerala High Court on November 4 observed that there exists 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 issued by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP). The court directed the authorities to ensure that the prefix Dr mentioned in the said curricula is not used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists who do not hold a recognised medical qualification. The case is now posted for further hearing on December 1. Kerala-based Dr KV Babu said that the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) order on prefixing Dr by physiotherapists was withdrawn within 24 hours following the objections raised by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) chairperson on the issue of jurisdiction only, though it raised substantial legal problems.