Li Bin: Deepening the Reform of the Medical and Health Care System

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Updated: 2014-08-24

IV. Gradually Adjusting and Improving the Family Planning Policy

Gradually adjusting and improving the family planning policy, so as to promote the balanced long-term development of the population, concerns overall socioeconomic development, the immediate interests of the general public, and the long-term peace and stability of the Chinese people. To unswervingly implement the basic national policy of family planning and to adjust and improve the family planning policy in accordance with changes in population situation is of great importance to efforts to promote the balanced long-term development of the population and complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

1. Great Achievements in Family Planning

Family planning is a basic national policy of China. As the result of years of untiring efforts of the Party and the whole society, great achievements have been made in the work of family planning in China. The excessive population growth has been kept under control and a historic transition has been achieved in the population-reproduction pattern. What we have achieved in family planning has effectively alleviated pressure on resources and environment, vigorously promoted the high growth rate of the economy and social progress, and improved the development of women and children, thus laying a solid foundation for a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Facts show that the implementation of the family planning policy is absolutely correct because it is in line with the long-term development of China and the fundamental interests of the general public, so we must consistently adhere to the family planning policy.

2. The Significance of Gradually Adjusting and Improving the Birth Control Policy

Since the new millennium, China’s population has witnessed great changes. A large population is still a basic condition of China, but the issue of population structure is becoming an important factor affecting economic and societal developments in China. At present, China has a comparatively low dependency rate and comparatively abundant labor resources. Adjustments to the birth control policy include: implementing the policy of allowing couples to have two children if either parent is an only child, which will help maintain a reasonable size of the labor force and the delay of the ageing of the population; helping to improve the sex ratio of the population and family structures so as to promote China’s transition from a populous country to a great power in terms of human resources; helping to further narrow the gap between national policies and the wishes of the general public; helping to promote family happiness, inter-generational harmony, and social stability; helping to stabilize the low birth rate; and to promoting a coordinated and sustainable development in terms of population, society, resources and environment.

3. Gradually Adjusting and Improving the Birth Control Policy in a Sound and Orderly Manner

While making efforts to adjust and improve the birth control policy, we must follow the principle of: “Keeping overall stability, balancing urban and rural development, giving categorized guidance and directions, and maintaining a coordinated development”. Firstly, the work of family planning has to be the full responsibility of the “head” of the Party or executive organizations, and the system of “one-vote veto” has to be strictly implemented so as to ensure that responsibilities are fully taken, adequate measures are in place, adequate investment is made, and the implementation is adequate. Secondly, the work of family planning at the community level has to be solidified and strengthened; the network and team of staff at the community level has to be maintained; and a moderately low birth rate has to be maintained and stabilized. Thirdly, efforts will be made to maintain the correct orientation for public opinion; maintain a clear-cut position in publicizing the great achievements we have made in family planning; do a good job in convincing the cadres and masses of the necessity to stand up for the policy; and practically safeguard the seriousness of the policy of family planning. Fourthly, policy coordination and information exchanges will be strengthened and the effective coupling of policies concerning major economic and social developments and policies concerning family planning can be improved. This way, effort to adjust and improve the birth control policy can be pushed forward in a sound and orderly way. (Source: Qiushi Journal, December 1, 2013)