The National Commission for Allied and Health Professional Act 2021 is made for the Standardization of Education, quality, and registration of all 56 categories of allied and health professionals. It was passed in the parliament in March 2021 and came into force in May 2021. But now it is in interim commission not fully rolled out all over India.
Can physiotherapist use dr before their name?
Yes, physiotherapists can prefix the Dr title before their name, who hold a BPT 4.5 years degree or DPT 5 years degree. Physiotherapy is an independent healthcare profession that comes under the NCAHP Act 2021, not under the Medical Council or Rehabilitation Council.
What does the National Commission of Allied and Health Care Professionals Act 2021 say about physiotherapists?
Physiotherapy Professional is a person who practices physiotherapy by undertaking comprehensive examination and appropriate investigation, provides treatment and advice to any persons preparatory to or for the purpose of or in connection with movement or functional dysfunction, malfunction, disorder, disability, healing and pain from trauma and disease, using physical modalities including exercise, mobilization, manipulations, electrical and thermal agents and other electro therapeutics for prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, health promotion and fitness. The physiotherapist can practice independently or as a part of a multi-disciplinary team and has a minimum qualification of a baccalaureate degree. (ISCO code - 2264)
IMA Eligation to the Physiotherapist
According to the Indian Medical Association (IMA): Section 2(i)(n)(xvii) of RCI Act, the term “physiotherapist” means a Rehabilitation professional. Thus, the physiotherapists in India are regulated by the provisions of RCI Act and its Rules and Regulations and not by any other Act or law in India.
But in the reality Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) clearly mentioned that Physiotherapist and Occupational therapist are not covered under RCI Act. So why IMA is defaming physiotherapist professionals God knows.
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| Source: RCI official website |
Dr. Hemang Joshi a Physiotherapist 2024 Lok Sabha MP Candidate From Varodara Gujrat debates
Congress city unit president Rutvij Joshi lodged a complaint with the district election officer objecting to the title 'Dr' in the campaign material of BJP candidate physiotherapist Dr Hemang Joshi.
In reply, BJP city unit secretary Mehul Lakhani said "The Indian Council of Physiotherapy" has passed a resolution that physiotherapists can use Dr. This has been upheld by the state council.
Does Physiotherapist from another country prefix Dr title?
Physiotherapists in western countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Pakistan, etc are allowed to use the prefix "Dr", If he or she hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. DPT is a 5 years duration under Graduate(UG) program in foreign countries. In india Bachelor of physiotherapy degree is already upgraded 4.5 years degree. That's BPT degree is equivalent to DPT degree.
The Indian Association of Physiotherapist Public Notice on Title Dr prefix
The largest physiotherapist association in India " The Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP)" Public Notice issued on March - 28, 2010 in Times of India (TOI).
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| Source:IAP |
