China introduces childcare subsidy system in push for population growth

BEIJING -- China has introduced a national childcare subsidy system starting this year, as part of efforts to improve the childbirth support system and promote high-quality population development, the country's top health official said on Thursday.

As of Wednesday, over 80 percent of eligible applicants had completed registration through online and offline channels, Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission(NHC), told a press conference on the country's progress in the health sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25).

From Jan 1 this year, families will receive an annual childcare subsidy of 3,600 yuan (about $506.8) per child -- whether for a first, second, or third child -- until the child turns three, according to a plan issued earlier by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council.

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

All Chinese provinces now include assisted reproductive technology projects in medical insurance reimbursement, along with other policies such as free preschool education and housing support, Guo added.

Nationwide, rates of regular checkups for pregnant women, new mothers and newborns have remained above 90 percent, Guo said, noting that comprehensive maternal and child services have been further strengthened, including a pregnancy risk screening mechanism and special management for high-risk maternal cases.

Chinese parents are also afforded more time to care for their infants and young children. According to Guo, all Chinese provinces have also extended maternity leave and parental childcare leave.