China's first: Ningbo enacts regulations for maternal and infant facilities

Ningbo, Zhejiang province will enforce the Regulations on Maternal and Infant Facility Construction and Management, marking a major step forward in China's legislative landscape.

To expedite the development and management of maternal and infant facilities and promote child-rearing, Ningbo will put the regulations into effect starting May 15, which will make it the first city in China to legislate on the construction and management of maternal and infant facilities.

The regulations offer specific provisions on the construction and management of maternal and infant facilities, covering areas such as scope of application, departmental responsibilities, preliminary planning, construction and management requirements, and legal liabilities.

Key highlights include the assignment of specific responsibilities to relevant departments and units involved in facility construction and management. The housing and construction department is tasked with rigorously evaluating design blueprints for maternal and infant rooms, ensuring seamless integration with overarching infrastructure projects.

In addition to requirements for public establishments and workplaces, the regulations mandate that developers outfit newly constructed public sanitation facilities with essential amenities like diaper changing stations.

In a proactive move to uphold public interests, the legislation also introduces punitive measures for non-compliance with mandated facility accessibility.

In recent years, Ningbo has prioritized maternal and infant facility development as a cornerstone of its urban enhancement strategy. The city has established 512 public maternal and infant facilities. Facilities rated four stars and above constitute 75.34 percent of the total, putting Ningbo at the forefront in Zhejiang province.