Physiotherapists can now use ‘Dr' prefix: National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions
The decision came as part of the launch of the 2025 Physiotherapy Curriculum by the NCAHP under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Welcoming the move, Mumbai -based Dr Zita Misquitta (PT) said, 'For the first time, patients nationwide can directly access physiotherapy services without needing a referral. Standardised education and clinical training mark a new era of professionalism and credibility. This isn't just a regulatory update – it's a turning point in India's healthcare narrative. Physiotherapists are no longer working in the shadows of other medical professionals. They are stepping forward, not just as healers of the body, but as independent practitioners shaping a healthier tomorrow.'
Under the NCAHP Act, a new national curriculum for physiotherapy has been introduced. The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program will now be a five-year course with four years of academics and a year-long clinical internship. Admission to the course will require NEET qualification, and clinical exposure will begin from the second year itself. The new curriculum, mandatorily effective from 2026, is designed as per the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines.
Aligned with the National Credit Framework, the curriculum assigns one credit to 15 hours of theory, 30 hours of practical training, and 40 hours of clinical learning. Additionally, faculty members must attend a Faculty Development Program every three years to ensure consistent teaching quality.
The NCAHP Act, 2021, standardises the education, practice, and registration of allied and healthcare professionals in India. It covers a wide range of allied and healthcare professions in India, including medical laboratory and life sciences, trauma and burn care, physiotherapy, nutrition science, ophthalmic sciences, and occupational therapy, among others. It also includes professions related to community care, behavioural health, medical radiology, and health information management.
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession focused on helping individuals restore, maintain, and maximise their physical strength, function, motion, and overall well-being.
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