The National Health Commission (NHC) and National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), along with multiple other bureaus, have released the “Guiding Opinions on Further Improving and Implementing Active Reproductive Support Measures.” The aim is to enhance prenatal and postnatal care services, develop the universal childcare service system, and improve the maternity leave and treatment security mechanism, as part of broader government efforts to boost China’s declining birth rates.
Improving Prenatal and Postnatal Care Services
The measures include improving the entire process of prenatal and postnatal care services. This involves enhancing services for premarital health care, preconception care, prenatal screening, and prenatal diagnosis. The guidelines also promote integrated management services and multidisciplinary cooperation during the peri-pregnancy, prenatal, and postnatal periods. Additionally, the screening and diagnosis of neonatal genetic metabolic diseases, hearing impairment, and congenital heart disease will be strengthened.
Enhancing Children’s Health Services
The quality of children’s health services will be improved through the development of about 10 national and regional medical center construction projects for pediatrics. The construction of mother-infant-friendly hospitals and child-friendly hospitals will also be carried out. Furthermore, the management of newborns participating in resident medical insurance services will be enhanced.
Strengthening Reproductive Health Services
Reproductive health services will be strengthened by expanding labor analgesia pilot schemes, preventing unintended pregnancies, and reducing non-medical abortions. The construction of assisted reproductive technology systems will be promoted, and appropriate labor analgesia and assisted reproductive technology programs will gradually be incorporated into the scope of medical insurance fund payment according to procedures.-Fineline Info & Tech
