For more, let’s bring in our reporter Zhang Nini. Nini, we know that China’s reform of its family planning policy has drawn wide attention. What’s latest from the press conference?
A1: Well, Reform is a key word for healthcare system last year, and the biggest highlight is a major shift from the decades-long family planning policy. China is to allow couples to have two children if either parent is an only child. The easing of the policy is expected to benefit 15 million to 20 million couples. Mao Qunan said there’s no uniform timetable for implementation nationwide. It should rather be based on the local population and social economic development. Each province will also need to report its adjustment to the Commission and get approval by the local People’s Congress for the policy to take effect. Preparation is now well underway. The health authorities are listing the policy change as a major priority in 2014. Maternal and child health facilities will also be improved to cope with what could be a baby boom.
Source: CCTV
