PM Modi Emphasizes Care Economy and Telemedicine for India's Healthcare Future
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the increasing significance of the care economy and telemedicine in fortifying India's healthcare infrastructure, asserting that both sectors will play a pivotal role in broadening services and generating new employment opportunities in the coming years.
Addressing Emerging Job Opportunities in Healthcare
Speaking at the fourth post-Budget webinar titled 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas - Fulfilling Aspirations of People', Modi stressed that India must prepare its youth for emerging job prospects in healthcare, digital technologies, and innovation-driven sectors as demand for healthcare services expands both domestically and globally.
"In the coming decade, the number of senior citizens in the country will increase rapidly. In addition, today there is a huge demand for caregivers in many countries. Therefore, the health sector is creating new skill-based employment opportunities for millions of youth," Prime Minister Modi stated, describing the care economy as a crucial area for future workforce growth.
Call for New Training Models and Partnerships
He urged experts and policymakers to develop innovative training models and partnerships that can strengthen the country's health workforce and equip young people with essential skills required in caregiving and allied services.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the expanding role of telemedicine in enhancing healthcare access across the nation. "Today a large number of people in remote areas are benefiting from telemedicine and their trust in it is increasing. However, there is still a need to increase awareness and ease of access," he remarked.
Vision for Preventive and Holistic Healthcare
Modi noted that India is working on a broader vision centered on preventive and holistic healthcare, while simultaneously expanding health infrastructure throughout the country. Over the past few years, healthcare capacity has significantly increased with new medical colleges opening in hundreds of districts.
He also cited the expansion of services through the Ayushman Bharat programme and the network of health and wellness centres, which are aimed at bringing primary healthcare services closer to rural communities.
Modi emphasized that fulfilling people's aspirations necessitates strengthening sectors such as education, skills, and health collectively, ensuring a comprehensive approach to national development.
