Bhopal, India: The Madhya Pradesh government has officially clarified its stance on the recognition of physiotherapists as "doctors" in response to an inquiry from Brajendra Pratap Singh, MLA of Panna. The Public Health and Medical Department provided a written response during the budget session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, affirming that physiotherapists are legally recognized as doctors under both Indian and Madhya Pradesh government gazettes, as stated by MP Health Minister Rajendra Shukla.
According to these gazettes, physiotherapy is defined as a profession involving the examination, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals using physical modalities such as exercise, mobility techniques, manual therapy, electrical and thermal agents, and other electro-therapeutic techniques. Physiotherapists are authorized to diagnose, treat, and promote recovery from functional dysfunctions, disorders, disabilities, trauma, and diseases. The gazette also stipulates that physiotherapists can operate independently or within a multi-disciplinary team, provided they hold at least a graduate degree.
Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh Nursing Home Act 1973 mandates that any facility offering physiotherapy services must employ a physiotherapist with a bachelor's degree. The state government reaffirmed that physiotherapists are legally recognized as doctors under the National Commission for Allied and Health Care Professions Act-2021. This recognition grants them the authority to practice, diagnose, and treat independently. Furthermore, the Madhya Pradesh Allied and Health Care Professions Rules 2024, enacted under the 2021 Act, are currently in effect.
The state government further clarified that explicit instructions regarding the use of the title "Dr." by physiotherapists could be obtained from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and necessary actions could be taken accordingly.
Regarding employment, the Madhya Pradesh Paramedical Council has registered 3,028 physiotherapists, of which 2,742 hold bachelor's degrees. As of March 13, 2025, there are no regular physiotherapist positions in Community Health Centers under the 2024 state-approved standard. However, data on 285 physiotherapists holding master's degrees and operating clinics are currently being compiled. Under the National Health Mission, 107 contractual physiotherapist positions have been approved, with 94 already filled and 13 vacancies remaining.
This clarification brings a significant update to the legal and professional status of physiotherapists in Madhya Pradesh, ensuring their role is recognized within the healthcare framework.
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