Kerala High Court Permits Use of ‘Dr’ by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists

The Kerala High Court rejected petitions seeking to bar physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using the prefix “Dr.”

The case arose from pleas filed by the Indian Medical Association and others questioning provisions under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021. The Court held that medical doctors do not possess an exclusive statutory right to the title “Doctor” and noted that the National Medical Commission Act does not expressly confer such entitlement.

It observed that physiotherapists are recognised as distinct healthcare professionals and are permitted under the statutory curriculum to use the prefix “Dr” with suitable suffixes.

The Court refused to interfere with legislative policy and vacated its earlier interim order.