Mohammed Y Safirulla K, a 2010-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, has been appointed Joint Secretary in the Department of Health and Family Welfare under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
He will serve for a combined tenure of five years, until August 27, 2030. His appointment brings experience in technology-led governance and public administration to his new role in the health sector.
Moves from India AI Mission to Health Ministry
Before this appointment, Safirulla was serving as Director of the India AI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), New Delhi. He assumed that position on August 12, 2025.
His move to the Health Ministry marks a shift from technology-focused governance to a senior administrative role in the healthcare sector.
Experience Across Administration and Policy
During his career, Safirulla has held several important positions, including District Collector and Magistrate, Managing Director, and Special Secretary to the Government.
These assignments have provided him with experience in district administration, policy implementation and government operations. His background in technology and public administration adds another dimension to his new responsibilities at the Centre.
Academic Background and Qualifications
Safirulla holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from PSG College of Technology, an MBA in Finance, and a postgraduate qualification in Public Policy and Management (PPM) from Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania, USA.
His educational background combines engineering, financial management and public policy, spanning both technical and administrative disciplines.
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Awards and Recognition
Safirulla has received recognition for his administrative work, including the State Award for Best District Collector for 2017–18 and the P. Keshavadev Special Award in 2019.
His appointment as Joint Secretary places him in a key role within the Union government’s health administration, drawing on his experience across public service, policy implementation and technology-led initiatives.