Published on : 06 Nov 2025, 9:05 am 2 min read

The Kerala High Court recently passed an interim order directing competent authorities to restrain physiotherapists and occupational therapists from using the prefix 'Dr.' without recognised medical qualifications [Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation v Union of India & ors]

Justice VG Arun observed that there appeared a prima facie conflict between the the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916 and the provisions in the Competency-Based Curriculums for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (2025) which allowed physiotherapists and occupational therapists to use the prefix 'Dr'.

" Interesting also to note that by Ext.P4 order, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had directed to forthwith remove the usage of

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