She cited several court rulings in this regard, including a 2003 judgment of the Patna High Court that held that unless physiotherapists are enrolled in the State Medical Register, they cannot practise modern medicine or use the prefix "Dr". Also, a Tamil Nadu Medical Council Advisory has also warned physiotherapists against using the prefix "Dr," terming them paramedics or technicians.

A Bengaluru court ruling of 2020 prohibited physiotherapists or occupational therapists from using the prefix "Dr" and emphasised that they must work under physician supervision.

The Madras High Court upheld the prohibition on physiotherapists using the prefix "Dr," reiterating that they are not recognised as "doctors" under the IMC Act.

It is pertinent to mention that the Ethics Committee of the Council Bill, 2007 had earlier decided that the title "Doctor" may only be used by registered practitioners of Modern Medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani, she added.

No other category of medical professionals, including nursing and paramedical staff, is allowed to use the title, the letter added.

The general body had also obtained a legal opinion, which stated that any physiotherapist using the title "Doctor," without holding a recognised medical qualification, would be violating provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916. Such a violation attracts action under section 7 of the Act for the contravention of sections 6 and 6A, the letter added.

"This legal opinion was adopted by the council at its meeting held on March 23, 2004. Accordingly, the ethics committee of the council reiterated that persons with qualifications in physiotherapy are not entitled to use the prefix "Dr" under any circumstances whatsoever," the letter said.

"It is hereby directed that the usage of the prefix 'Dr' for physiotherapists in the Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy Approved Syllabus 2025 be removed forthwith," the letter added.