The “Dr.” prefix in India is more than just a title. It is a symbol of power, a mark of honour, and often the first thing that shapes how patients decipher a healthcare professional. But when the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) first outlawed physiotherapists from using the “Dr.” prefix—and then take out the order after resentment—it unlocked an old laceration in Indian healthcare: Who really possesses the “Dr.” tag?
The Symbolism of a Prefix
In a country where medicine is one of the most honourable professions, the “Dr.” prefix fetches weight. It can determine how seriously a patient takes your instruction, how much belief they place in you, and even how society appreciates your work. For physiotherapists, who spend years conquering anatomy, rehabilitation, and fact-based therapy, being denied this prefix felt like denial of recognition itself.
Doctors vs. Physiotherapists: A Turf War?
The medical profession argues that letting physiotherapists use “Dr.” could puzzle patients into thinking they are physicians. Physiotherapists, on the other hand, say the issue is not about superseding doctors, but about appreciation for their sophisticated degrees and professional expertise.
This squabble reveals something profound: the hierarchies and precariousness within India’s healthcare ecosystem.
Global Practices – Learning from the World
In the US, UK, and Australia, physiotherapists with doctoral-level education freely use the “Dr.” prefix, often clarifying their specialty (e.g., Dr. John Doe, Doctor of Physiotherapy). Patients there are educated enough to distinguish between different “doctors.”
So, the real question is: why is India still trapped in a debate where respect and clarity cannot co-exist?
Patients at the Centre—or Sidelines?
Lost in this battle are the patients themselves. Would a heart patient refuse physiotherapy simply because the therapist doesn’t use “Dr.”? Would a blow survivor retrieve speedy if their therapist had a different prefix? Distinctly, healing relies on skill, not just a name. Yet, discernment matters—and in India, perception is often shaped by prefixes.
DGHS U-Turn: A Silent Victory
By retreating its order, the DGHS obliquely admitted that healthcare is not just about medicine but also about allied consultants who are pillars of rehabilitation, recovery, and lasting care. The move highlights a step towards comprehensiveness, though without, solving the larger question of how to stabilize appreciation with patient lucidity.
Beyond Titles: The Way Forward
Healthcare should not be a battleground of pridefulness. Instead of combating over who gets to wear the “Dr.” title, India must move towards:
Clear Authority – e.g., “Dr. (Physiotherapist)” to evade chaos.
Public Education – Awakening patients about different healthcare providers.
Team-Based Care – Doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, and others working as equals for patient well-being.
Conclusion
The “Dr.” prefix is not just about title—it is about authority, honour, and identity. But finally, no prefix can heal a patient; only education, empathy, and skill can. If India really wants first-class healthcare, it must stop combating over titles and start respecting every healer in the system.