Kerala High Court Delivers Historic Judgment Upholding Rights of Physiotherapists in India

Srinagar: The Kerala High Court has delivered a landmark judgment in favor of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP), affirming that qualified physiotherapists can use the prefix “Dr.” and practice independently without unnecessary restrictions.
In a statement issued here on Thursday President, Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) Prof. Dr. Sanjiv K. Jha said that this ruling establishes a significant legal precedent, recognizing physiotherapy as a scientific and autonomous healthcare profession. Prof. Dr. Sanjiv K. Jha, President of the IAP, hailed the verdict as a historic acknowledgment of the professional identity and dignity of physiotherapists in India. The court dismissed all arguments from the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR), marking a pivotal advancement for countless physiotherapists and students nationwide. The decision underscores the essential role of physiotherapists in primary healthcare, particularly in prevention, treatment, and functional restoration. Prof. Dr. Jha emphasized that this ruling is not just a legal victory but a collective achievement for the physiotherapy community, enhancing patient access to services and promoting ethical independent practice. The IAP has described the verdict as a defining milestone in the history of physiotherapy in India, a result of years of advocacy, unity, and commitment to professional integrity. The Association expressed gratitude to the National Coalition for Allied Health Professionals (NCAHP), as well as to all physiotherapists, academicians, students, and supporters who contributed to this pursuit of justice and recognition.