DGHS & NCAHP Clarify: Physiotherapists Use Dr Prefix DGHS Decision Explained

Overview

DGHS & NCAHP Clarify : In recent news, India’s Directorate General of Health Services has firmly directed that physiotherapists using the Dr prefix DGHS must be removed. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) previously approved a curriculum that allowed physiotherapists to use “Dr.” as a prefix along with “PT” as a suffix. However, after significant objections and legal concerns, DGHS has intervened decisively, thereby altering the earlier permissions significantly.

Firstly, DGHS, via a letter dated September 9, 2025, stated that physiotherapists are not medical doctors, and hence physiotherapists use Dr prefix DGHS is legally invalid under the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916. Secondly, the directive mandates removal of “Dr.” from the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy Approved Syllabus 2025 which was published by NCAHP. Thirdly, DGHS emphasized that using “Dr.” prefix by physiotherapists could mislead the public, potentially enabling quackery. Therefore, the decision underscores clarity in healthcare titles across India.

Simultaneously, DGHS acknowledged that the NCAHP’s previous regulation permitted physiotherapists to use the title. Yet, following protests—most notably by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other medical bodies—DGHS decided to revoke that permission. Meanwhile, DGHS also proposed a respectful alternative title for physiotherapy graduates and postgraduates that avoids confusion.

Legal & Ethical Concerns Over Physiotherapists Use Dr Prefix DGHS Directive

Since yesterday’s announcement, multiple stakeholders have highlighted legal and ethical concerns over the physiotherapists’ use Dr prefix DGHS decision. Although physiotherapists are highly trained professionals, they are not trained to diagnose medical conditions. However, using “Dr.” prefix may imply clinical diagnosis ability, misleading patients. Therefore, DGHS insists physiotherapists should treat only referred patients. Elsewhere, DGHS cited legal precedent, including rulings by the Patna High Court (2003) and Madras High Court, which had forbidden physiotherapists from using the “Dr.” title unless enrolled in the State Medical Register. Also, previous advisories from medical councils and the Ethics Committee of 2007 reaffirmed that “Dr.” should be restricted to practitioners of medicine (allopathy), Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani. Thus, physiotherapists use Dr prefix DGHS directive reinforces existing legal framework.

Reactions & Impacts Following DGHS Decision

Clearly, reactions among physiotherapists, medical bodies, and the public have ranged from supportive to critical. On one hand, medical associations welcomed the move, saying that physiotherapists using the Dr prefix DGHS could create unintended confusion. On the other hand, some physiotherapists voiced concern that removing “Dr.” diminishes recognition of their qualifications, especially in academia. Although the prefix does not alter skills, many argue that it reflects years of postgraduate work. Meanwhile, policy experts suggest the decision may affect job postings, signage, credentials display, and professional identity. Additionally, colleges will have to modify printouts, certificates, curriculum documentation to exclude “Dr.” prefix. Ultimately, public clarity is expected to improve, albeit at the cost of adjusting expectations.

Why The DGHS Cited Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916

DGHS bases its stance on the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, which protects the title “Doctor.” According to the Act, only those with recognized medical degrees are entitled to use certain professional titles. Consequently, physiotherapists using Dr prefix DGHS runs against legal jurisprudence. Furthermore, earlier court rulings have found violations when non-medical personnel use medical titles. Importantly, DGHS noted that misuse could constitute violation of sections 6 and 6A of the Act, protecting against misrepresentation. Therefore, DGHS’s demand for removal is rooted in both legal precedent and ethical duty.

What the NCAHP Curriculum Proposed Earlier

Previously, on April 23, 2025, NCAHP approved the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy–Approved Syllabus 2025, which permitted physiotherapists to use “Dr.” as prefix and “PT” as suffix. This provision appeared under section 3.2.3, where the recommended title stood as “Physiotherapist” with prefix “Dr.” and suffix “PT”, thereby formally allowing physiotherapists to adopt the title “Dr. X, PT”. Then, strong objections prompted re-examination. Consequently, the DGHS directive effectively necessitates removal of that provision. Hence, physiotherapists using Dr prefix DGHS earlier permitted are now rescinded.

Implications for Physiotherapy Students & Graduates

For current students and future graduates, physiotherapists using Dr prefix DGHS may have mixed implications. On one hand, those who have started training under the previous curriculum will need to adjust credentials. On the other, new batches will automatically follow the revised syllabus excluding the “Dr.” prefix. However, diplomas, transcripts, and identity documents issued under the older curriculum may remain valid, though they may cause confusion. Moreover, professional bodies may explore alternative respectful titles. Where credentials require clarity, institutions must align with DGHS orders. Meanwhile, employers will need to update signage, email signatures, and marketing materials to comply legally. Thus, compliance must be swift and consistent.

Questions of Primary Care & Referral

DGHS also emphasized that physiotherapists are not to conduct primary medical care. Thus, physiotherapists use Dr prefix DGHS is inappropriate because of expectations associated with doctor title, including diagnosing medical conditions. Accordingly, physiotherapists should only treat patients who have been referred by medical doctors. Otherwise, misdiagnosis risks exist. Also, practicing without proper diagnosis training can harm patients. Therefore, the distinction between treating referred patients and offering primary care is essential in maintaining legal and ethical integrity after physiotherapists use Dr prefix DGHS is disallowed.

Alternatives Suggested: Respectful Titles Without Confusion

Since the directive, DGHS has suggested considering a title that respects physiotherapists’ qualifications without causing ambiguity. Although no specific alternative has been officially chosen yet, discussions include using “Physiotherapist” without “Dr.”, or with “PT” suffix, or perhaps a new term altogether. Meanwhile, using suffixes like “PT”, “Physio Grad”, or “Physio Postgrad” may help. Importantly, wording must clearly indicate that the person is not a medical doctor. Hence, physiotherapists using Dr prefix DGHS being replaced with clarity-focused titles maintains respect while avoiding misuse.

Why “Physiotherapists Use Dr Prefix DGHS” Matters

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DGHS Decision and Its Effects

In summary, DGHS has clearly ordered physiotherapists to use Dr prefix DGHS to be removed from the 2025 curriculum, on legal and ethical grounds. While NCAHP earlier permitted “Dr.” prefix, DGHS asserts such use violates Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, citing courts and medical councils. Additionally, title misuse could mislead the public and encourage quackery. As a result, physiotherapists should not claim the “Dr.” prefix and rather use appropriate respectful titles. Going forward, legal frameworks, educational institutions, and professional bodies must align. Meanwhile, physiotherapists, patients, and regulators await what alternative titles will be sanctioned.

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Closing Thoughts

Finally, the issue of physiotherapists using Dr prefix DGHS reflects deeper concerns about healthcare clarity, legal compliance, and patient trust. Although physiotherapists have critical skills, the title “Dr.” carries weighty implications. Without proper regulation, misinterpretation can occur. Thus, DGHS’s directive intends to preserve trust, to protect patients, and to maintain integrity in medical titles. Although transitions can be difficult—for educational bodies, practitioners, and learners—this change appears necessary. Certainly, moving ahead, everyone involved must ensure awareness and consistent adherence to avoid legal or ethical pitfalls.