Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasised the growing importance of the care economy and telemedicine in strengthening India’s healthcare system. He stated that both sectors will play a crucial role in expanding healthcare services while creating new employment opportunities in the coming years.
Speaking at the fourth post-Budget webinar titled “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas – Fulfilling Aspirations of People,” the Prime Minister urged policymakers and industry experts to prepare India’s youth for emerging job opportunities in healthcare, digital technologies, and innovation-driven sectors.
Rising Demand for Caregivers in India and Abroad
Modi highlighted that India must proactively build a skilled healthcare workforce as demand for healthcare services continues to grow both within the country and globally.
“In the coming decade, the number of senior citizens in the country will increase rapidly,” he said. “At the same time, many countries are facing a huge demand for caregivers. Therefore, the health sector is creating new skill-based employment opportunities for millions of youth.”
He described the care economy as a key driver of workforce expansion and encouraged experts to develop new training models, partnerships, and skill-development initiatives that can prepare young people for caregiving and allied healthcare roles.
Telemedicine Expanding Healthcare Access
In addition to workforce development, the Prime Minister underscored the expanding role of telemedicine in improving access to healthcare, particularly in underserved and remote regions.
“Today, a large number of people in remote areas are benefiting from telemedicine and their trust in it is increasing,” Modi noted. “However, there is still a need to increase awareness and make access easier.”
By integrating digital technologies into healthcare delivery, telemedicine has enabled patients in distant locations to consult specialists without travelling long distances. As a result, it is becoming an increasingly important tool in bridging healthcare gaps across the country.
Strengthening Preventive and Holistic Healthcare
Modi also highlighted India’s broader vision of building a healthcare system centred on preventive and holistic care. Over the past few years, the government has significantly expanded health infrastructure across the country.
For instance, new medical colleges have been established in hundreds of districts, strengthening both healthcare delivery and medical education.
Expanding Primary Healthcare Services
As reported by TOI, the Prime Minister further pointed to the expansion of healthcare services through the Ayushman Bharat programme, which aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions of citizens.
Additionally, the growing network of health and wellness centres under the programme is bringing primary healthcare services closer to rural communities. These centres provide preventive care, early diagnosis, and essential medical services at the grassroots level.
Integrating Education, Skills and Health for National Development
In conclusion, Modi emphasised that fulfilling people’s aspirations requires coordinated progress across multiple sectors.
He stressed that education, skill development, and healthcare must evolve together to support India’s long-term development goals. By strengthening these sectors simultaneously, the country can build a healthier population while creating sustainable employment opportunities for its youth.