The Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR) has welcomed the Kerala High Court’s interim order directing the authorities to ensure that the prefix ‘Dr.’ is not used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists who do not hold recognised medical degrees.

The order on November 4, 2025 followed a petition filed by the association against the alleged unauthorised use of the prefix by physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Justice V.G. Arun observed in the order that there existed 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 (Approved Syllabus 2025) issued by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions. The

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