New Delhi, 11 September 2025 : A major relief for the physiotherapy community, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has officially withdrawn within 24 hours its earlier directive that prohibited physiotherapists from using the “Dr.” prefix.
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| DGHS WITHDRAWS EARLIER BAN 10/September/2025 |
On 9th September 2025, DGHS had issued a letter restricting physiotherapists from using the title “Dr.” before their names, citing that only registered medical practitioners under the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916 were entitled to the designation. The communication had raised strong objections from physiotherapists’ associations across the country, including the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP), who argued that the directive contradicted existing guidelines of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP).
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| DGHS latter on 9th September 2025 |
Following widespread representations and legal clarifications, the DGHS issued another order on 10th September 2025, stating that the previous letter “may be treated as withdrawn as the matter requires further examination.”
The Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) welcomed the withdrawal, confirming that as per NCAHP guidelines, physiotherapists are entitled to use the prefix “Dr.” before their names, with the suffix “PT” (Physiotherapist) after their qualifications.
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| IAP latter to All Media Officials and Journalists on 11th September 2025 |
Prof. Dr. Sanjiv K. Jha, President of IAP, in a statement dated 11th September 2025. “The earlier DGHS communication contained inaccuracies and caused unnecessary confusion. We are pleased that it has been officially nullified.” and also request All Media Officials and Journalists The communication dated 09.09.2025 contained inaccuracies and is therefore deemed null and void. We kindly request that publish a corrigendum to clarify this matter and correct any misinformation.
With this decision, physiotherapists across India can continue to use the prefix “Dr.”, reaffirming their professional recognition within the healthcare system, while ensuring clarity by appending “PT” to distinguish their specialization.
More:
1) Can Physiotherapist Prefix Dr and suffix PT?