Kerala High Court Adjourns 'Dr' Title Dispute to March 2, Urges Government Intervention
The Kerala High Court has adjourned to March 2 the appeals challenging a single bench order that permitted physiotherapists and occupational therapists to use the prefix 'Dr' before their names. This significant adjournment was granted to allow the appellants, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA), time to respond to the court's suggestion for a government-led resolution.
Court Suggests Government Decision to Resolve Title Controversy
The division bench, comprising Justices Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and P V Balakrishnan, considered the appeals filed by the IMA and other medical bodies. During the proceedings, the bench reiterated the statutory position highlighted earlier, noting that neither the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act nor related statutes grant exclusive rights to medical professionals for using the 'Dr' title.
The court orally observed that it cannot adjudicate on whether individuals can prefix 'Dr' to their names, emphasizing that such matters are better left to governmental authorities. This stance aims to prevent prolonged litigation and encourage timely administrative action.
Background: Single Bench's Ruling on Inclusive Title Usage
Previously, a single bench had dismissed petitions seeking exclusive use of the 'Dr' prefix by qualified medical professionals. The bench pointed out that the NMC Act lacks specific provisions conferring the title 'Doctor' solely on medical practitioners. In the absence of such statutory backing, the petitioners cannot claim an exclusive right to the prefix, the order stated.
This ruling has sparked debate within the healthcare community, with physiotherapists and occupational therapists advocating for recognition of their professional qualifications through the title.
Proposed Resolution: Time-Bound Government Consideration
The division bench proposed disposing of the appeals with a direction for the government to consider representations in a time-bound manner. This approach seeks to avoid keeping the cases pending, which might otherwise deter governmental decision-making due to ongoing litigation.
Counsel for the appellants requested additional time to consult with clients regarding the court's suggestion and to file a reply. Consequently, the High Court adjourned the matter to March 2, allowing for further deliberation and potential alignment with the proposed resolution path.
This development underscores the evolving dynamics in professional title usage within India's healthcare sector, highlighting the need for clear regulatory frameworks to address such disputes effectively.
