China's top health official said Thursday that a national childcare subsidy system will be implemented starting this year to improve the birth support system and promote high-quality population development.

National Health Commission (NHC) Chairman Lei Haichao said at a press conference on Wednesday that the country's progress in the healthcare sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), said that as of Wednesday, more than 80 percent of eligible applicants had completed their registration through online and offline channels.

According to the plan previously released by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, starting January 1 this year, families will receive an annual child care subsidy of 3,600 yuan (approximately $506.8) per child (regardless of whether it is the first, second, or third child) until the child reaches the age of three.

Economic support for childcare has been expanded in many areas over the five-year period. Guo Yanhong, deputy director of the NHC, said that childcare for children under three years old and children's education have been included in additional deductions for individual income tax, and the deduction standard has been raised from 1,000 yuan to 2,000 yuan per child per month.

Guo added that assisted reproductive technology projects are now included in medical insurance reimbursements in all provinces of China, along with other policies such as free preschool education and housing support.
At the same time, Guo noted that the regular check-up rate for pregnant women, new mothers, and newborns across the country remained above 90 percent, and that comprehensive maternal and child services have been further enhanced, including a pregnancy risk screening mechanism and special management for high-risk maternal cases.

Chinese parents are also being given more time to care for their babies and young children. All Chinese provinces have extended maternity leave and parental childcare leave, according to Guo.(ILKHA)