Kerala HC Upholds 'Dr' Prefix for Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists

• The Kerala High Court ruled that the prefix "Dr" is not exclusive to registered medical practitioners, allowing qualified physiotherapists and occupational therapists to use it.
• Justice V G Arun dismissed petitions from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and others who challenged the use of the title and a Competency-Based Curriculum permitting it.
• Medical bodies argued that physiotherapists and occupational therapists provide only "supportive services" and are not "first-contact healthcare providers," claiming the curriculum was misleading.
• The court noted the etymological origin of 'doctor' from 'teacher' and found no statutory provision in the NMC Act or allied statutes granting exclusive rights to the title for medical practitioners.
• The Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) welcomed the judgment, with President Prof. Dr Sanjiv K. Jha calling it a "far-reaching" decision that recognizes their independent professional identity and role in healthcare.

Why It Matters: Kerala High Court affirms physiotherapists and occupational therapists can use 'Dr' prefix, rejecting exclusive claims by medical bodies.