BEIJING -- Medical and healthcare institutions are encouraged to take part in the development of childcare services, according to a recent guideline.

The guideline, jointly released by the General Office of the National Health Commission (NHC) and two other departments, called for county-level health institutions to engage with childcare providers and extend door-to-door guidance services.

Healthcare institutions at the primary level can also improve health management for infants and children by signing contracts with childcare facilities, it said.

In recent years, Chinese medical and healthcare institutions have amplified their efforts in providing guidance and training for personnel in the areas of children's nutrition, physical development and disease prevention and control, to promote standardized development of childcare services, according to an NHC official.