PUTRAJAYA: Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood (pic, right) has been appointed as the special adviser to the Prime Minister on public health.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said Dr Jemilah has vast experience in medicine and is directly involves in humanitarian efforts both nationally and internationally.

"Dr Jemilah will be responsible to advise the Prime Minister on policies and initiatives related to health," said the PMO in a statement on Tuesday (March 31).

She is known for her work as the president of Mercy Malaysia.

Mercy Malaysia is a medical charity founded by Dr Jemilah and has performed medical charity and medical rescue work in several countries, including in Indonesia following the 2004 tsunami.

In 2019, Dr Jemilah was announced as the winner of the Asean Prize, a prestigious award in the Asean region that recognises achievements of individuals and organisations.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in medicine as well as a Master's in obstetrics and gynaecology from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.