Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh govt clarified its position on the recognition of physiotherapists as “doctors” in response to inquiries from Brajendra Pratap Singh, MLA of Panna.
The Public Health and Medical Department, in a written response during the budget session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, stated that physiotherapists are recognized as doctors by law according to the gazettes of both the Indian and Madhya Pradesh govts, according to Vidhan Sabha reply from MP health minister Rajendra Shukla.
These gazettes define physiotherapy and the scope of a physiotherapist’s practice. “Physiotherapy is defined as a person who practices, provides treatment and advises on physical therapy by means of a comprehensive examination and appropriate investigation of individuals using physical modalities including exercise, mobility, manual therapy, electrical and thermal agents and other electro-therapeutic techniques for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, health promotion and recovery of movement or functional dysfunction, dysfunction, disorder, disability, trauma and disease and for the purpose of recovery and pain.” The gazette further states that a physiotherapist can operate independently or within a multi-disciplinary team and must hold a minimum of a graduate degree.
The Madhya Pradesh Nursing Home Act 1973 mandates that any facility offering physiotherapy services must employ a physiotherapist with a bachelor’s degree.
Madhya Pradesh clarifies the legal recognition and employment status of physiotherapists. The state govt confirmed physiotherapists are legally recognized as doctors under the National Commission for Allied and Health Care Professions Act-2021. This recognition grants them authority to practice, diagnose, and treat independently.
The Madhya Pradesh Allied and Health Care Professions Rules 2024, enacted under the 2021 Act, are in effect. The state govt stated, “Clear instructions regarding permission to physiotherapists to use the title Dr. with their name can be obtained from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and action can be taken accordingly.”
Regarding employment, the Madhya Pradesh Paramedical Council has 3,028 registered physiotherapists: 286 with master’s degrees and 2,742 with bachelor’s degrees. As of March 13, 2025, no regular physiotherapist positions are approved in Primary Health Centers or Community Health Centers under the 2024 state-approved standard.
Data on registered physiotherapist clinics are currently being compiled. The National Health Mission has approved 107 contractual physiotherapist positions, 94 of which are filled, leaving 13 vacancies.
