Policies boost elderly and child care in H1

In the first half of the year, many policies concerning elderly care and child care have been released.

Starting from Jan 1, 2019, basic old-age pensions for retirees were raised by around 5 percent, with higher rates for more senior retirees and those who have worked in remote areas.

Policies have also been introduced to deepen reforms in public pension institutions, while a comprehensive subsidy system was also established for disabled senior citizens with financial difficulties.

In addition, government subsidies have also been used to provide barrier-free facilities to all families with disabled senior citizens who are eligible for special support.

A working mechanism was established for regular visits to empty-nest seniors who are left behind and live alone.

As for child care, the maternity leave policy has been guaranteed, and qualifications for the child care industry will be regulated.

Service facilities and supporting safety facilities for child care should be included in new residential areas, the relevant policy said.

The government also released relevant policies which encourage enterprises to offer child care services for their employees at workplaces.

As supervision occurs throughout the production chain, the quality of domestic infant milk powder formulas has been enhanced and guaranteed, and the nation has also established a tracking platform to provide oversight for vaccines and their producers.

In kindergartens, the responsible person is required to have meals with students and record any problems found in the dining process.

At the same time, the government launched a special campaign against fake, inferior, and dangerous toys and school supplies, to root out any potential harm at the source.

To encourage better care to the elderly and children, the government also pledged preferential policies and wide tax cuts and exemptions for communities in incomes, land use and properties.