PM Modi emphasises preventive healthcare, calls for stronger caregiver training ecosystem

Emphasising the vision of preventive and holistic health, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (March 9, 2026) said there has been a rapid strengthening of health infrastructure across the country, while Yoga and Ayurveda continue to gain global popularity.

Addressing a series of post-Budget webinars on the theme “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas—Fulfilling Aspirations of People”, Mr. Modi said medical colleges have been opened in hundreds of districts, and access to healthcare services has been expanded through schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and the establishment of Aarogya Mandirs.

“Care economy”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the emerging “care economy” and the growing global demand for caregivers, urging experts to develop new training models to empower India’s youth.

“I urge health sector experts present in this webinar to offer suggestions on developing new training models and partnerships so that the training ecosystem in the country can become even stronger,” stated the PM.

Success of telemedicine

On digital transformation in healthcare, Mr. Modi spoke about the success of telemedicine in reaching remote areas. While acknowledging its growth, he stressed the need for further simplifying the user experience and building greater public awareness. “I believe there is still a need to increase awareness and ease of use in telemedicine,’’ he said.

Editorial | On Budget 2026 and health-care spending

Meanwhile, a breakout session on the Budget announcement under Para 88: “Strengthening of Emergency & Trauma Care Centres” noted that in the Union Budget 2026–27, the Government announced a major initiative to strengthen emergency healthcare services across the country. As highlighted in Para 88 of the Budget, emergencies often expose families, particularly the poor and vulnerable, to unexpected health expenditure. To address this challenge, the government has proposed to strengthen and increase emergency and trauma care capacities by 50% in district hospitals by establishing Emergency & Trauma Care Centres.

The session brought together policymakers, public health experts, clinicians, administrators, and representatives from State Governments and other stakeholders to deliberate strategies for strengthening emergency and trauma care systems and ensuring effective implementation of the Budget announcement.

Integrating emergency response systems

Discussions focused on improving pre-hospital emergency response systems and integrating the 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) with ambulance services and hospitals to ensure timely response and effective patient management. Participants also emphasised the need for better coordination among emergency services and strengthening the operational capacity of emergency response systems.

Panellists also deliberated on the need to upgrade infrastructure in district hospitals by transforming existing casualty wards into fully functional Emergency Care Departments equipped with triage areas, resuscitation facilities, ambulance bays, diagnostic units, and emergency operation theatres.