1st LD Writethru: Li Keqiang urges sound implementation of two-child policy

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for full support in health, education, housing and other fields for the sound implementation of two-child policy.

Li made the remarks in a written instruction to a meeting on family planning Thursday.

Describing the two-child policy as "a good deed that benefits people's livelihoods and the future," Li noted that the policy is a significant move to balance population growth and respond to people's wishes.

The premier urged all departments involved to improve their policies and services in health, education, employment, housing and social insurance to help achieve sustainable and coordinated development between population and economy.

In addition, Li acknowledged the great contributions of family planning workers over the years, calling for better support for them.

Under the new family planning law, which was amended by the national legislature in late December, couples have been allowed to have two children from Jan. 1, ending the one-child policy in place for decades.

During Thursday's meeting, Vice Premier Liu Yandong said the one-child policy had effectively curbed the country's alarming population growth, relieving pressure on resources and the environment.

Liu urged local departments to improve policies, amend rules and map out population growth plans for their own jurisdictions, with a special focus on offering services and care and ensuring laws are followed.

She particularly called for better health services for women and children through cultivating more professionals, prevention of congenital defects, and more beds for obstetric and paediatric departments. Endi