Telemedicine & Care Economy Key to Strengthening Healthcare Access, Says PM Modi

The Prime Minister also highlighted the expansion of healthcare services through the Ayushman Bharat programme and the health network.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the growing role of telemedicine in strengthening healthcare access across the country, particularly for people living in remote areas.

Addressing the fourth post-Budget webinar on Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Fulfilling Aspirations of People, the Prime Minister said telemedicine is increasingly becoming an important channel through which patients in distant locations are able to access medical consultations and services.

"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 said.

Focus on Digital & Preventive Healthcare

Modi said India is working towards a broader vision focused on preventive and holistic healthcare while simultaneously expanding healthcare infrastructure across the country.

He noted that in recent years, healthcare capacity has increased significantly with the establishment of new medical colleges across several districts.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the expansion of healthcare services through the Ayushman Bharat programme and the network of health and wellness centres that aim to bring primary healthcare services closer to rural communities.

Care Economy & Future Workforce

Highlighting future trends in the sector, Modi said the care economy will also play an important role in creating new skill-based employment opportunities.

"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," he said.

He also urged experts and policymakers to develop new training models and partnerships that can strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce.

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