Telemedicine and care economy set to shape next phase of health sector employment, says PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India’s expanding care economy and the growing use of telemedicine are likely to play a significant role in generating employment in the coming years, even as they improve access to healthcare services across the country.

Addressing a post Budget webinar focused on health, Ayush and the pharmaceutical sector, the Prime Minister said the country is entering a phase where healthcare services are expected to expand rapidly. He noted that new opportunities are emerging in areas such as remote medical consultations, home based care and digital health platforms.

Modi said the increasing adoption of telemedicine has the potential to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved regions where specialist doctors are often not easily available. Digital health services, he added, can help ensure timely consultation and treatment without requiring patients to travel long distances.

He also pointed to the rising importance of the care economy, which includes services related to elderly care, patient support and home healthcare. According to the Prime Minister, these services are likely to see strong demand as India’s population grows and healthcare needs become more complex.

The government has been encouraging the use of technology in healthcare through initiatives such as digital health records and teleconsultation platforms. Officials say such measures are intended to strengthen healthcare delivery while also creating new avenues for employment in the sector.

Modi said the health, Ayush and pharmaceutical sectors together will play a crucial role in shaping India’s healthcare ecosystem in the years ahead, with innovation, technology and skilled manpower expected to drive the next stage of growth.