Fathers-to-be learn how to take care of babies at Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in Hebei Province. [Xinhua] |
The central government is taking measures to improve nursery services to help create a friendlier child-rearing environment.
Hao Fuqing, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, said at a news conference on Wednesday that a lack of baby nursery services is the main reason for the nation's lower birth rate.
"Some surveys indicate that for around one-third of families in urban areas, public services can meet some of their nursery care needs, but it's not enough," he said. "The experience we've learned from the other countries and regions shows that developing nursery services is key to helping relieve families' burdens and increasing people's desire to have children."
Hao said the nation will channel more resources into developing the public nursery sector, and more companies and social organizations will be encouraged to invest in nursery centers and build service stations in residential communities.
He said that the government will also regulate fees charged by nurseries to make sure prices are reasonable and affordable. Additionally, some supportive policies will be rolled out for nurseries, such as reducing their water bills and electricity and gas fees.
On Tuesday, 17 central departments, including the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, released a guideline to increase the nation's population growth. Comprehensive measures on marriage, fertility, nurseries and education are included in the guideline.
(Source: chinadaily.com.cn)
32.3KPlease understand that womenofchina.cn,a non-profit, information-communication website, cannot reach every writer before using articles and images. For copyright issues, please contact us by emailing: [email protected]. The articles published and opinions expressed on this website represent the opinions of writers and are not necessarily shared by womenofchina.cn.
Young Boys seals 6th Swiss soccer league title in 7 years after rallying from firing coach Wicky
Cubs rookie Michael Busch homers in 5th consecutive game to equal club record
Liu refreshes men's 102kg world records at IWF World Cup
Austin Riley leads the Braves to a 6
Bella Hadid goes braless in a thigh
Democrats seek to seize control of deadlocked Michigan House in special elections
China to make World Cup finals ultimate goal, says new coach Ivankovic
Teixeira brace sees Shanghai go top in CSL
Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says
Emperor Qinshihuang's museum launches online ticket platform for overseas tourists