When Fu Shunmei walked into the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, she was nervous about the upcoming birth of her baby 🤰. But thanks to Hainan's new policies, her worries quickly faded!
\"I only had to pay around 300 yuan (about $42) for labor pain relief that should've cost me 2,000 yuan!\" Fu exclaimed, her face lighting up 🌟. \"It's a huge saving that really takes the pressure off.\"
Hainan, located in the beautiful southern island province of the Chinese mainland 🏝️, has rolled out new childbirth-friendly policies. The province has added suitable labor pain relief procedures to the health insurance reimbursement list 💊💰, making childbirth less painful and more affordable for expectant mothers.
Since the policy change, hospitals like the Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center have seen the number of women opting for pain relief during labor double! 📈 And it's only expected to grow as more women choose comfort over pain.
The State Council recently issued a directive with 13 measures to improve childbirth support services 🧸. This includes expanding childcare systems, enhancing support in education, housing, and employment, and fostering a birth-friendly social environment 🌍❤️.
But here's the real game-changer: labor pain relief and assisted reproductive technology services will now be eligible for health insurance reimbursement! 🎉 This move not only eases the financial burden on families but also makes childbirth a less daunting experience.
Ye Yun, a researcher at the Hainan Institute of Medical Security, said, \"The majority of costs incurred during childbirth can be covered by the medical insurance fund. The expansion of this initiative directly benefits pregnant women as it significantly reduces medical expenses.\"
China's adoption rate for labor pain relief was only 30% in 2022, much lower than the 80-90% in developed countries. High costs and a shortage of anesthetists have held back wider use. But with these new policies, that's all about to change! 🚀
\"We aim to encourage more patients to choose labor pain relief, reduce postpartum depression, and promote family harmony,\" Ye added. \"It's all about fostering a childbirth-friendly society.\"
So, here's to happier moms, healthier families, and a brighter future! 🍼✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
