China calls for epidural anesthesia in all hospitals for births
China calls for epidural anesthesia in all hospitals for births
China has announced that by the end of this year all university clinics have to offer epidural anesthesia during birth. This measure aims to promote a "friendly birth environment" for women.
Requirements for hospitals
university clinics - i.e. those with more than 500 beds - must provide epidural anesthesia services by 2025, while secondary hospitals - which have more than 100 beds - should offer corresponding services by 2027, as the National Health Commission (NHC) announced in a statement.
challenges in birth rates
The authorities face the challenge of increasing birth rates in the world's second largest economy after the population of China has dropped in 2024 in the third year in a row. Experts warn that this decline could tighten in the coming years.
anesthesia during the birth
promotion of well -being
The NHC said that this measure "improve the comfort and security of medical services" and "strengthen people's happiness and promote a friendly birth environment".
coverage by the health insurance company
More and more provinces in China also begin to include the costs of birth anesthesia in their health insurance systems,
obstacles for young families
High childcare costs as well as professional uncertainties and a slowdown economy have held many young Chinese from getting married and founding a family. In June, the health authorities in the Southwest Chinese province of Sichuan proposed to extend marriage and maternity and maternity from up to 25 and 150 days to create a "fertility-friendly society".
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