China to promote labor pain relief methods at over 900 pilot hospitals

BEIJING -- China will promote pain relief methods during labor and delivery at over 900 pilot hospitals, with the list to be released soon, according to the National Health Commission (NHC) on Mar 18.

The NHC will make pain relief techniques accessible for more hospitals to prompt more people to drop the idea that painless labor is impossible, which has long been believed by many in China, according to Jiao Yahui, an official with the commission.

Pain relief methods during labor and delivery are far less common in China than in developed countries, though they are considered important for lowering cesarean delivery rates and improving the mothers' quality of life after they give birth.

The Chinese Medical Doctor Association will set up labor pain relief training centers for medical staff across the country and promote education on pain relief methods for the public.

The NHC released a three-year work plan for the nationwide promotion of pain relief methods during labor and delivery in November 2018.