Lokesh Manikonda
Co-Founder & CEO
Lokesh Kumar Manikonda, CEO & Co-Founder of NeoAxis Health Pvt. Ltd., is a global health expert and visionary leader with over 28 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector, across AstraZeneca, Abbott, Novartis, and Sandoz. As Country Head for Global Health Access India at Novartis, he led Arogya Parivar (Healthy Family)— an award-winning Harvard business case as quintessential sustainable social business spanning across 18 states and more than 23,000 villages, improving access to medicines and health literacy for millions. With deep expertise in strategy, market innovation, sales force excellence, business development, product launches, and branding, he has successfully devised country-specific market entry plans for global brands while forging impactful public-private alliances to strengthen health systems. Inspired by his passion to serve rural and urban underserved populations, he established NeoAxis Health to deliver quality, affordable medicines with measurable social impact. A thought leader in emerging technologies, he has authored acclaimed works on the role of AI in healthcare and continues to shape sustainable, inclusive solutions at the intersection of healthcare, innovation, and social equity.
Prashant Deshpande
Co-Founder
Prashant Deshpande’s career reflects over two decades of dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes through strategic leadership, innovation, and a deep focus on underserved communities. With 20+ years in the pharmaceutical industry, he brings expertise in business development, operational excellence, and access-driven strategies. At Novartis India, he spearheaded global health initiatives such as large-scale malaria and NCD screenings, and forged impactful partnerships with organisations including the National Health Authority (NHA) and Aravind Eye Hospital.
As Head of Global Health Markets (Asia), Prashant successfully expanded medicine access across Nepal, Cambodia, and Laos, while driving P&L growth, optimising field force execution, and cultivating high-impact collaborations. His work continues to inspire professionals across the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Beyond the boardroom, he is a passionate wildlife photographer and cricket enthusiast, with the unique experience of having played in nets alongside international cricketers.
Dr. Payal Sharma (Laad) is a public health leader specialising in healthcare policy, hospital operations, and public–private partnerships. At Novartis India’s Arogya Parivar, she led large-scale initiatives across 18 states, improving rural healthcare access and health literacy while managing a team of 300+ professionals. A former Assistant Professor at L.T.M. Medical College & Sion Hospital, Mumbai, she brings over a decade of experience in patient care, medical education, and community outreach.
With an M.D. and D.N.B. in Community Medicine, complemented by expertise in healthcare management and data science, she integrates innovation with evidence-based strategies to strengthen health systems. Beyond her professional work, she is a national-level tennis player and a multimedia design enthusiast, passionate about leveraging technology to drive inclusive healthcare solutions.
Dr Payal Sharma
Co-Founder