DGHS Issues Directive to Safeguard Patient Trust
In a letter dated September 9, DGHS chief Dr Sunita Sharma addressed Indian Medical Association (IMA) President Dr Dilip Bhanushali, highlighting growing concerns about the misuse of the ‘Dr’ prefix by physiotherapists. The letter stated that several organisations, including the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, had raised strong objections regarding the use of the prefix ‘Dr’ and the suffix ‘PT’ by physiotherapists.
The directive specifically mentioned that physiotherapists are not trained medical doctors and using the prefix ‘Dr’ can mislead patients and the general public, possibly resulting in quackery and misdiagnosis. This official clarification is designed to protect patients from confusion about the qualifications of the healthcare professionals they consult.
Legal Precedents Back DGHS Clarification
The DGHS letter cited multiple legal rulings that back this stance. These include:
- A 2003 Patna High Court judgment stating that physiotherapists not enrolled in the State Medical Register cannot practise modern medicine or use the ‘Dr’ prefix.
- A Tamil Nadu Medical Council advisory warns physiotherapists against using ‘Dr’ and classifying them as paramedical staff or technicians.
- A 2020 Bengaluru court ruling prohibited physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using the title ‘Dr’ and mandated that they work under the supervision of physicians.
- A Madras High Court verdict reaffirms that physiotherapists are not recognised as doctors under the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act.
These rulings collectively affirm that only registered practitioners of Modern Medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani can legally use the title ‘Doctor’ in India.
Upholding Ethics and Public Clarity
The DGHS further referenced the Ethics Committee of the Council Bill, 2007, which had earlier decided that the ‘Doctor’ title must not be used by nursing or paramedical staff. The committee’s decision was based on legal opinions confirming that using the ‘Dr’ prefix without holding a recognised medical qualification violates the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916, inviting legal action under Section 7 of the Act.
This reinforces that physiotherapists must not present themselves as doctors, ensuring patients receive accurate and informed care without confusion or misrepresentation.
Call for a Respectful Alternative Title for Physiotherapists
In a forward-looking recommendation, the DGHS advised that the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy Approved Syllabus 2025 must immediately remove the ‘Dr’ prefix for physiotherapists. The letter also suggested considering a more appropriate and respectful title for physiotherapy graduates and postgraduates—one that recognises their expertise while avoiding ambiguity for patients and the general public.
This approach will enhance professional identity while maintaining transparency in healthcare communication.
DGHS Directive on ‘Dr’ Prefix Usage – Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Directive | September 9 |
| Issued By | DGHS Chief Dr. Sunita Sharma |
| Addressed To | Indian Medical Association (IMA) President Dr. Dilip Bhanushali |
| Main Concern | Misuse of the ‘Dr’ prefix and suffix ‘PT’ by physiotherapists |
| Reason for Directive | To prevent patient confusion, quackery, and misdiagnosis |
| Organisations Raising Concerns | Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, among others |
| Key Legal Precedents | 2003 Patna High Court, Tamil Nadu Medical Council advisory, 2020 Bengaluru court ruling, Madras High Court verdict |
| Legal Basis | Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916; Section 7 for legal action |
| Who Can Use ‘Dr’ Prefix | Registered practitioners of Modern Medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani only |
| Ethics Committee Bill 2007 | Prohibited nursing and paramedical staff from using ‘Dr’ |
| Future Recommendation | Remove ‘Dr’ prefix from Physiotherapy Curriculum 2025; suggest a respectful alternative title |
| Impact on Healthcare | Enhances transparency, protects patient trust, upholds ethical healthcare practices |
Final Thoughts
This DGHS directive brings powerful clarity and positive reform to India’s healthcare sector. By clearly distinguishing between medical doctors and physiotherapists, it protects patient safety, preserves trust, and strengthens ethical standards. While physiotherapists play a crucial role in patient rehabilitation, they must be represented with titles that reflect their scope of practice without misleading the public.
This move marks an empowering step toward ethical healthcare communication, ensuring patients receive care from the right professionals with complete confidence and clarity.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What has the DGHS stated about physiotherapists using the ‘Dr’ prefix?
The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has stated that physiotherapists are not entitled to use the ‘Dr’ prefix. This title is reserved only for registered medical practitioners such as doctors of Modern Medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani.
Q2: Why has this directive been issued by the DGHS?
The directive was issued to prevent misleading patients and the general public. The DGHS emphasised that physiotherapists are not trained as medical doctors and using the ‘Dr’ prefix may cause confusion and encourage quackery.
Q3: Which organisations raised concerns about physiotherapists using ‘Dr’?
Several organisations, including the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, raised strong objections regarding the use of the prefix ‘Dr’ and suffix ‘PT’ by physiotherapists.
Q4: What legal rulings support this decision?
The DGHS cited several legal precedents, including a 2003 Patna High Court judgment, a 2020 Bengaluru court ruling, and advisories from the Tamil Nadu Medical Council and Madras High Court, all of which prohibited physiotherapists from using the ‘Dr’ prefix.
Q5: Are physiotherapists allowed to provide primary care or diagnose medical conditions?
No. The DGHS stated that physiotherapists should not provide primary care or diagnose medical conditions. They should only treat patients referred by registered medical doctors.
Q6: What law governs the use of the title ‘Doctor’ in India?
The use of the title ‘Doctor’ is governed by the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916. Using this title without recognised medical qualifications violates this Act and can lead to legal action under Section 7.
Q7: What has the DGHS recommended for physiotherapy syllabus 2025?
The DGHS has directed that the ‘Dr’ prefix be removed from the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy Approved Syllabus 2025. It also recommended creating a more appropriate and respectful title for physiotherapy graduates and postgraduates.
Q8: Can any paramedical or nursing staff use the ‘Dr’ title?
No. The DGHS clarified that no category of paramedical or nursing staff is allowed to use the ‘Dr’ title. This title is strictly reserved for registered medical practitioners.
Q9: What is the main purpose of this directive?
The main purpose is to maintain clarity and trust in the healthcare system by ensuring that only qualified and registered doctors use the ‘Dr’ prefix, and to prevent misleading the public about the qualifications of physiotherapists.
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