Data released Sunday by Beijing's health commission showed continuous improvements in maternal and child healthcare in the city, Beijing Daily reported.

During the past 40 years, Beijing's maternal and infant mortality rates have both experienced a significant downfall, dropping by 68 percent and 88 percent respectively, according to the latest data.

In 2018, the average life expectancy of Beijing's women reached 84.63 years, up 12.37 years compared with 1979.

In 2018, the infant mortality rate of Beijing's registered permanent residents was 2.01 per thousand, while the mortality rate of children under 5 years old was 2.69 per thousand, reaching the level of developed countries.

Beijing has shown a declining rate of serious birth defects, with the prevention rate reaching more than 70 percent. The occurrence rate of neural tube defects has dropped from 1.01 per thousand in 2011 to 0.67 per thousand in 2018.

In addition, the children's health protection network has been launched, which includes the timely referral of critically ill newborns, improved premature infant health services, and child fatality prevention based on common causes of infant death.

Early childhood comprehensive development services have also been strengthened through establishing networks of eyesight, oral health and mental care services.

At present, there are one municipal and 16 district-level maternal and child care service centers and more than 120 midwifery agencies in Beijing. The city also boasts 11 municipal treatment centers for critical pregnant patients and seven such centers for critically ill newborns. At the grassroots level, more than 300 primary medical institutions offer maternal and child healthcare services.