DoPT Appoints IAS Officer Piyush Singla as Director in National Health Authority Under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
In a significant administrative appointment aimed at strengthening India’s rapidly expanding digital healthcare ecosystem, the Government of India has appointed Piyush Singla as Director in the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The appointment has been made under the Central Staffing Scheme and is linked to the implementation of the ambitious Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
The appointment order was issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) through an official Office Memorandum dated May 26, 2026. The move is being viewed as an important step toward enhancing institutional leadership within the country’s digital health governance framework, particularly at a time when the government is accelerating the integration of technology into healthcare delivery systems.
A 2012-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer belonging to the AGMUT cadre, Singla was recommended for Central deputation by the Ministry of Home Affairs before being selected for the key assignment in the National Health Authority. In his new role, he will work under the Department of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi and will be associated with the execution and expansion of projects under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is one of the Government of India’s flagship initiatives aimed at creating a comprehensive digital health infrastructure across the country. The mission seeks to establish integrated digital health records, improve interoperability between healthcare systems, and ensure seamless access to medical services for citizens through technology-driven platforms. Officials believe that experienced administrators with governance and technology backgrounds will play a crucial role in ensuring effective implementation of the mission across states and Union Territories.
According to the DoPT memorandum, Singla’s tenure as Director in the National Health Authority will be co-terminus with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. However, the tenure may be extended further in accordance with the provisions and guidelines governing the Central Staffing Scheme. The appointment will officially come into effect from the date he assumes charge of the post in New Delhi.
The DoPT has also laid down strict timelines regarding his joining. As per the official directions, the officer has been instructed to take charge of the new assignment within three weeks from the date of issuance of the appointment order. The memorandum further states that failure to join within the stipulated period could attract debarment from future consideration under the Central Staffing Scheme, in line with existing government regulations.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been directed to relieve Singla immediately from his present responsibilities so that he can assume his new role without delay.
Before being selected for this high-profile Central deputation, Singla was serving in the Jammu and Kashmir administration as Secretary to the Government in the Information Technology Department. In addition to this assignment, he was also holding additional responsibilities in the General Administration Department as well as the Information, Hospitality, and Protocol departments.
His administrative experience in governance, information technology, and public administration is expected to be valuable for the National Health Authority as the government continues to push forward with digital transformation in the healthcare sector. His transition from a senior administrative role in Jammu and Kashmir to a strategic position in India’s national digital health mission highlights the Centre’s focus on deploying experienced officers in technology-oriented governance initiatives.
The appointment also reflects the increasing importance being given to digital health administration in India’s evolving public policy landscape, where technology-enabled governance is becoming central to service delivery and citizen welfare.
