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South China's Guangzhou will promote free premarital tests for couples across the city next month, taking the lead in offering tests to reduce the number of hereditary and infectious diseases among infants.

 

Couples can take advantage of the government-funded tests covering 11 different checks as long as one of them is registered as a permanent resident of Guangzhou, according to Wang Xiaoling, vice mayor of Guangzhou.

 

The number of premarital check-ups dropped sharply among new couples when the tests became voluntary in October 2003 in China.

 

In Guangzhou, the rate has fallen to seven percent from ninety percent when compulsory premarital tests were required.

 

As a result, the incidence of birth defects is on the rise across the country. In Guangzhou, the incidence has risen to 0.17 percent from 0.13 percent in 2003.

 

Nearly one million babies are born in China with defects annually, primarily cleft palette, neural tube defects, extra fingers or toes, congenital heart disease or water on the brain, according to the Ministry of Health.

 

Experts say that if 80 percent rate of couples undergo a premarital check-up then the incidence of birth defects will be lowered.

 

Many local governments are keen to adopt a similar approach.

 

In Beijing, free premarital check-ups -- currently only available in certain areas -- will be promoted across the capital this year, according to the city's health authorities.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 10, 2007)