Nine private health clinics in Ontario have failed medical inspections, CBC News has confirmed, but officials are keeping the facilities' names secret.

That's despite the fact that the clinics in question perform procedures such as plastic surgery, cataract surgery and colonoscopies.

"We're not allowed to divulge the specific identity of the failed premises," Bob Byrick, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

The regulatory body told CBC News it could not provide the information because its hands are tied by provincial legislation.

Make list public, says health minister

But provincial Health Minister Deb Matthews says she wants the list to be made public.

"If something needs changing, then I think we have to change it. I think people should have access to that information," Matthews said.

Some health-care advocates expressed concern about the lack of information and said private surgical clinics must be accountable to the public.

There is "no justification whatsoever for keeping that information secret," said Natalie Mehra of the Ontario Health Coalition.

"I can't state that strongly enough," she added.

"This is public money that is going to private clinics, often for-profit private clinics that are selling medical procedures on a profit-seeking basis."

In all, there are an estimated 250 private clinics in Ontario, and there has never been an inspection report on them until now.

Byrick said the College of Physicians and Surgeons are vowing to continue.

"This isn't a one-time, one-shot deal. It's an ongoing reassessment process for the standard of care," he said.