Aradhana Johri, a UP cadre IAS officer of 1980 batch, has assumed charge as the new Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

Though Kerala cadre senior official V Somasundaran was earlier appointed as the Secretary sometime back, the Government cancelled the orders on November 20 and appointed Aradhana Johri

She was working as the Additional Secretary, Department of AIDS Control, under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The post of the Secretary of DoP has been vacant since October 31 this year, when D S Kalha retired.

Having associated with World Health Organisation as advisor also, she brings with her long years of experience in the area of health both in UP and the Centre. She has been holding different posts in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare since 2007.