China is rolling out significant reforms aimed at improving the lives of its citizens, focusing on enhancing social services and creating a more supportive environment for families.
As the Central Economic Work Conference approaches, experts anticipate that China’s leaders will announce measures to boost the economy and promote well-being. Key areas of focus include healthcare, elderly care, childcare, and policies to encourage childbirth.
In October, the State Council introduced 13 measures to support families and foster a “birth-friendly” society. These initiatives aim to expand childcare services, provide financial subsidies for childbirth, and extend maternity insurance to more workers, including those in flexible employment and migrant workers.
China is also addressing its aging population by improving elderly care services. The government is modernizing urban communities with amenities like elevators and age-friendly home adaptations. In rural areas, a multi-tiered elderly care system is being developed to provide support at the county, township, and village levels.
Since 2020, over 250,000 communities have been renovated, benefiting more than 100 million residents. By mid-2024, China had established 410,000 elderly care facilities, a significant increase from previous years.
Ren Zeping, an independent economist, predicts that the government will introduce more policies to stimulate the economy and enhance people’s well-being. He suggests that sectors like elderly care, childcare, and tourism have great potential to boost consumer spending. Subsidies may be expanded to include services like health care, elderly care, and community services, with increased support for families with two or three children.
These reforms reflect China’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its people and promoting sustainable social development.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
