The UAE has started implementing international building codes for the healthcare facilities with focus on its planning and designing in bid to create world-class medical infrastructures in the country, said a report.

The Ministry of Public Works is adopting international best standards on planning, designing, building, management and operation of healthcare facilities, as part of efforts to make a true quantum leap in development of the health sector, reported the Emirati news agency Wam, citing a senior minister.

''We are implementing the highest international building standards and codes on health facilities to ensure that timely, high quality healthcare services are delivered to patients,'' stated Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Public Works.

These world-class health infrastructures would elevate the UAE's position as a world premier healthcare provider, he said at a function to mark World Health Day, which is being celebrated today (April 7).

Al Nuaimi said the ministry is currently undertaking 11 health projects across the country.

He pointed out that the ministry's planners, designers and architects were getting training at international institutions and visiting international projects to enrich their knowledge and experiences as part of the Ministry's strategy to implement UAE Vision 2021.

A major health project being undertaken by the ministry is the Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital in Dubai, which is the first-of-its-kind in the UAE that will offer comprehensive psychiatric care, said the report.

Spanning 54,000 sq m and with 272 beds, the hospital will be built following the best international standards and practices, as well as green architecture standards for health facilities, it added.