The association, which previously stated that experts from the private sector have been excluded from the council, said the five members will be able to strengthen the partnership of private hospitals with government healthcare providers.

“We are of the opinion that the current public and private healthcare system is sustainable provided further collaborative efforts can be undertaken, but with advice and knowledge from the ground, particularly from the private hospital operators,” its president, Dr Kuljit Singh, said in a statement.

He said the five nominees have more than 20 years of experience in private hospital management each and their organisations have been in existence for 40 to 50 years.

“The president and secretary of APHM will represent the other smaller hospital groups and stand-alone private hospitals,” he said.

The advisory council, announced by health minister Khairy Jamaluddin last week, is co-chaired by former health minister Dr S Subramaniam and Axiata Group chairman Shahril Ridza Ridzuan.

Khairy said the main role of the council is to contribute ideas, recommendations and advice to the ministry in the process of developing the white paper to reform the healthcare system.

Separately, APHM said it hoped Khairy will be able to retain a parliamentary seat in the coming general election and continue to be the health minister.

Kuljit said Khairy’s contribution to the country’s healthcare has been significant “particularly during the pandemic and currently in the proposed healthcare white paper”.

“His efforts have augmented the foundation that was built by the previous ministers, but his courage to enhance partnership with private healthcare stakeholders is commendable,” he said.