A healthcare policy implemented on Nov 1 in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region now provides near-total medical expense coverage for baby deliveries at hospitals to reduce the financial burden on families, a local news outlet reported on Monday.

Under the policy, childbirth-related hospitalization costs within the medical insurance scope are fully reimbursed. The policy also reimburses painless delivery, prompting medical institutions across the region to expand their services.

Both employed and resident medical insurance participants can benefit, with resident insurers qualifying after two consecutive years of premium payments. The coverage includes natural birth and cesarean sections.

To date, more than 7,600 expectant mothers have benefited from the initiative, with many paying less than 200 yuan ($28.68) out of pocket, the news outlet reported.