Manoj Joshi Takes Charge as Secretary of India’s Pharmaceuticals Department

Manoj Joshi has officially assumed the role of Secretary at the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), effective from January 1, 2025. This appointment comes as part of a government shuffle announced by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on November 20, 2025. Joshi succeeds Amit Agrawal, who led the department for a year and has transitioned to the Department of Telecommunications.

Joshi, a 1989 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Kerala cadre, has extensive experience in various government roles. Prior to this new position, he served as Secretary in the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development. His career has included significant contributions to multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Ministry of Rural Development.

Leadership Role in Pharmaceuticals Sector

With his new responsibilities, Joshi will be at the forefront of enhancing India’s pharmaceutical and MedTech sectors. The Department of Pharmaceuticals expressed optimism about Joshi’s leadership, highlighting the importance of his role in implementing key initiatives aimed at boosting these industries.

One of the major focuses for Joshi will be overseeing various government schemes designed to support the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors. This includes the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which are intended to encourage domestic manufacturing and innovation. Additionally, he will manage the affordable medicine supply chain under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which aims to provide quality medicines at lower prices to the public.

Moreover, Joshi will lead the Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP), which is crucial for fostering advancements in healthcare technology and medical research.

Joshi’s background in the public sector further enriches his qualifications for this role. In Kerala, he held positions in various departments, including the Department of Economic Affairs, and served as the Managing Director of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, among other public sector firms.

As he steps into this critical role, the Department of Pharmaceuticals is looking forward to his strategic vision and expertise to drive growth and innovation within the sector, aligning with the government’s broader goals for healthcare and pharmaceuticals in India.