Chinese authorities plan to streamline the approval process for elderly care institutions to address challenges brought by the country's aging population.
The move aims to mobilize private funds to engage in elderly care services and reduce the costs of joining the sector, according to a circular jointly released by 13 departments, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Public Security.
Elderly care institutions are still in short supply in China. /CFP Photo
The circular said that fewer application materials would be required to run elderly care institutions, and that registering real estate as elderly care institutions would be more convenient.
It urged improved supervision and law enforcement, as well as a smooth complaints channel during the process.
Elderly people account for 16.1 percent of China's population. /CFP Photo
Information on demand and supply should be updated in good time and social funds would be encouraged to invest in the sector.
There are currently more than 220 million people over 60 years old in the country, representing 16.1 percent of the population, with numbers still growing.
