KUALA LUMPUR (March 16): The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) is ready to work with the Health Ministry (MoH), via its member hospitals, in managing the current surge in Covid-19 cases, the association said today.

APHM said the MoH had met with public and private healthcare providers recently to work out strategies for a public-private partnership in managing this situation.

APHM president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said in a statement: “The association had met with good number of member hospitals to strategize to come up with recommendations on how best this public-private partnership will take place, and the recommendations will be conveyed to MoH.”

On another matter, Dr Kuljit pointed out that private hospitals have not been able to source three-ply and N95 face masks and personal protection equipment.

“It is a serious situation which impacts the safety of the patients and staff involved.

“Local manufacturers continue exporting such items while private hospitals are crying out for supplies,” he added.

The association urged the MoH and the Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Ministry to work together to address this issue.