Opinion: 12 Years Of Transforming India's Healthcare Under PM Modi

Updated: Jun 14, 2026 16:02 pm IST Published On Jun 14, 2026 14:47 pm IST Last Updated On Jun 14, 2026 16:02 pm IST

Published On Jun 14, 2026 14:47 pm IST

Last Updated On Jun 14, 2026 16:02 pm IST

Healthcare accessibility is one of the most important investments a nation can make. A healthy population is not only essential for social well-being but also forms the foundation of economic growth, productivity, and national development. Over the past twelve years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has undertaken one of the most ambitious healthcare transformations in its history. Guided by the vision of affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all, the country has strengthened its medical infrastructure, expanded healthcare coverage, advanced disease control programmes, accelerated indigenous innovation, and positioned itself as a global healthcare leader.

The story of India's healthcare transformation begins with strengthening the very foundation of the system, medical education and human resources. A robust healthcare ecosystem requires an adequate number of doctors, specialists, nurses, and healthcare professionals. Recognising this need, the Modi government embarked on an unprecedented expansion of medical education infrastructure across the country.

In 2014, India had 842 medical colleges. By 2026, that number had crossed 2,100, representing a 2.5-fold increase. This expansion has brought medical education closer to aspiring students, particularly in regions that previously lacked such institutions. The increase in opportunities has been equally remarkable. MBBS seats have risen from 51,348 in 2014 to 1.28 lakh in 2026, while postgraduate medical seats have increased from 31,185 to 85,822 during the same period. This dramatic expansion is creating a larger pool of trained medical professionals capable of serving India's growing healthcare needs and ensuring better access to quality care across urban and rural India.

Alongside building capacity, the government has focused on tackling some of India's most persistent public health challenges. Tuberculosis, which has historically imposed a heavy burden on millions of Indian families, has witnessed remarkable progress. Through a combination of early detection, widespread screening, improved treatment access, technological interventions, and community participation, India is accelerating its journey towards becoming TB-free.

The results have been striking. Missing TB cases have dropped by 93.33 percent, while TB incidence has fallen........

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