Kerala High Court: 'Dr' Open to Physiotherapists, Not Exclusive to Medical Professionals

The Kerala High Court has ruled that the titles “Doctor” and the prefix “Dr.” are not the exclusive domain of medical professionals, dismissing petitions filed by doctors opposing the use of the designation by physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The petitions argued that only those holding MBBS degrees should be permitted to use the prefix “Dr”. However, Justice V. G. Arun observed that the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act does not specifically grant MBBS graduates an exclusive statutory right to use the title. The court noted that the Act primarily regulates medical education and professional practice, not the broader use of academic or professional honorifics.

In his judgement, Justice Arun referred to the historical meaning of the word “doctor”, stating that it originally denoted a person who had achieved the highest level of learning and was qualified to teach. The term, he said, was historically applied to scholars in disciplines such as theology, law, and philosophy, long before it became closely associated with the medical field.

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The court further recognised that physiotherapists and occupational therapists are trained healthcare professionals who undergo formal education and certification. Restricting their use of the prefix “Dr”, the judge observed, would require a clear legal prohibition, which is currently absent under existing legislation.

Addressing concerns about possible public confusion, the court indicated that transparency about qualifications and scope of practice is important, but such concerns cannot justify denying a professional title without explicit legal backing. It added that appropriate regulatory guidelines could be framed by authorities to ensure clarity for patients.

The judgement is likely to influence similar disputes across the country, reaffirming that professional titles must be interpreted based on statutory provisions and historical context rather than assumptions of exclusivity.

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