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News India Live, Digital Desk: ‘Doctor’ is a word on which we blindly trust. But do you know that not every person treating you has the legal right to write ‘Doctor’ (Dr.) in front of his name? To end this confusion, Madras High Court has given a historic and very important decision. The High Court has made it clear who can use the word ‘doctor’ in front of their name and who will have to declare their complete qualifications before doing so.
This decision is a big relief for millions of patients, who often do not understand whether the doctor treating them is of allopathy or some other system of medicine.
What did the High Court say in its order?
Madras High Court, while hearing a petition, made it clear that Only those doctors who are registered in the modern system of medicine (allopathy) can use the prefix ‘Dr.’ before their name without any conditions.
This simply means that only MBBS, MS, MD doctors with degrees like National Medical Commission (NMC) Act (earlier the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956), only those who are registered under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 are truly entitled to use the word ‘doctor’.
Then what about physiotherapists, Ayurveda and homeopathy doctors?
This is the most important part of this decision. The High Court said in its order that practitioners of alternative medical systems can use the word ‘doctor’ in front of their name, but It will be mandatory for them to write the full name of their medical practice in brackets.
The professionals covered under this decision are:
- Physiotherapists
- Ayurvedic Doctor (BAMS)
- Homeopathic Doctor (BHMS)
- Siddha Doctor (BSMS)
- Unani Doctor (BUMS)
For example: If a physiotherapist writes doctor before his name, then he is called Dr. [नाम] (Physiotherapist) has to be written. Similarly, an Ayurvedic doctor is called Dr. [नाम] (Ayurveda) will have to be written.
Why was this decision needed?
The High Court gave this decision keeping in mind the safety and transparency of the patients. The Court said in its remarks:
“When a person simply writes ‘Doctor’ in front of his name, the general public assumes that he is an MBBS doctor. This situation can be confusing and dangerous for patients, especially in times of emergency. Patients have every right to know which specialist in which medical system they are being treated.”
This decision will ensure that patients have clear information about their doctor’s qualifications and medical practice before starting treatment and take an informed decision.