Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 12: The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has rolled back its recent order prohibiting physiotherapists from using the prefix ‘Dr’, stating that the issue will undergo further review before a final decision is taken.
The September 9 directive had categorically stated that physiotherapists were not entitled to use the prefix ‘Dr’ under any circumstances. However, following widespread backlash, the DGHS issued a fresh circular on September 10 acknowledging that multiple representations had been submitted on the matter. The circular clarified that both the prefix ‘Dr’ and the suffix ‘PT’ used by physiotherapists in India require detailed examination, and therefore, the earlier directive has been withdrawn for now.
The withdrawal came as a relief to physiotherapists, who had strongly opposed the initial order. They argued that denying them the use of the ‘Dr’ title would diminish their professional identity, which they maintain is backed by years of academic training and clinical expertise.