A photo shows two parents take photo with their two children. [Photo: Xinhua]

The Chinese authorities have pledged to improve China's maternal, child healthcare and other public services as it implements the new two-child policy.

The Chinese government is making efforts to better implement the new two-child policy that came into effect on January 1st, and which allows each couple to have a second child if they so wish.

Yang Wenzhuang, an official with China's top family planning authority made the announcement on Monday at a news conference, here in Beijing.

"The 13th Five-year plan is the key period to implement the two-child policy. Therefore, we have issued nationwide plans, arrangements and investment especially for in this area throughout the five years. For example, in the western regions, we are building more maternity hospitals so as to improve maternal and child healthcare."

Yang added that the government is calling for higher salaries for maternal and child healthcare professionals so as to make these occupations more appealing.

"In terms of professional title appraisal and salaries, we will offer preferential policies for midwives, obstetricians, pediatricians and nurses to improve their conditions and make these occupations more appealing."

According to the National Health and Family Planning Commission, 90 million Chinese women are now permitted to have a second child under the new birth control policy, which means a huge demand for social resources and healthcare personnel.

The central government is urging universities and medical schools to train more midwives and pediatricians.

The country has also promised to encourage more non-profit maternity hospitals, kindergartens and other public services to better meet the expected huge demand.

Wang Peian, deputy head of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, says all departments involved have been urged to improve their policies and services in order to help the sound implementation of the two-child policy.

"More than 20 departments are involved (in the implementation of the two-child policy). All of them have attached great importance to the job and gave a positive response to us after initial research and study."

It was also revealed at the news conference that the procedure for couples to gain approval to have a second baby would be scrapped and registration formalities should be simplified so as to make things convenient for the couples involved.

China's top legislature amended the national family planning law in late December, ending the one-child policy that had been in place for three decades.

China's top leaders have repeatedly called on governments at all levels 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.