The Kerala High Court has accepted appeals from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR) challenging a previous ruling allowing physiotherapists to use the title “Dr.” The Division Bench, comprising Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice P.V. Balakrishnan, has scheduled a detailed hearing for March 19 after preliminary submissions. The controversy arose from a decision permitting physiotherapists to use the “Dr.” prefix, which has faced opposition from some in the medical community.
The IMA and IAPMR argue that non-MBBS practitioners using the “Dr.” title could cause confusion among patients and blur professional distinctions in healthcare settings. The Division Bench had previously suggested that deciding who can use the “Dr.” prefix might not be the judiciary’s role but rather a matter for the government or legislature to address through clear regulatory norms. The court adjourned the matter to allow the appellants’ senior counsel to decide on proceeding with the appeals in light of this observation.
During the recent hearing, the appellants expressed their intent to move forward with the appeals, presenting all legal and regulatory grounds available to them. The court acknowledged the complexity of the issues involved, signaling the need for comprehensive arguments and formal adjudication. The upcoming March 19 hearing is anticipated to delve into the interpretation of professional titles, regulatory oversight, and the potential public interest implications of using the “Dr.” prefix in various healthcare fields.
