‘Doctor’ title for physiotherapists will create fake doctors, IMA to appeal against High Court verdict

KOCHI: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has criticised the High Court verdict allowing physiotherapists to use the title "Doctor" before their names, saying that it will only lead to the creation of more fake doctors. In a statement, the IMA said the verdict was unfortunate and added that it would move forward with strong legal action against it.

According to existing laws, only registered medical practitioners in modern medicine, AYUSH, and dental streams, as well as those with a PhD, are permitted to use the title "Doctor" before their names. The IMA said that allowing everyone to use the title would make it difficult for patients to identify genuine medical practitioners and would lead to serious confusion.

The association also demanded that the government issue a clear circular specifying who is allowed to use the title “Doctor.” State president Dr M.N. Menon and secretary Roy M. Chandran said that an appeal would be filed against the current High Court verdict.