Yes, no, and yes again: Govt flip-flop over 'Dr' prefix on physiotherapists

FIRST, they were allowed to retain the title 'Dr'. Then came the U-turn, saying they cannot. However, a hurried corrigendum then said they can. The series of flip-flops finally means that the government has allowed physiotherapists to use 'Dr' as a prefix after their names.

- Kavita Bajeli-Datt @ New Delhi

On September 10, the confusion ended after the Union Health Ministry withdrew its September 9 order stating that physiotherapists in the country cannot use the prefix 'Dr' as they are not medical doctors.

With the new order, physiotherapists can still refer to themselves as 'Dr'. The matter remains under examination.

The September 10 order surprised many, especially medical practitioners, who are opposed to physiotherapists being allowed to use the 'Dr.' prefix. They were celebrating the government announcement disallowing the physios from using the prefix when the subsequent order came restoring their right to do so.