On October 24, in Xiamen, the local market regulation authority convened a meeting focused on the postpartum mother-infant care service industry, addressing the rising popularity of “confinement centers” among new mothers. As living standards improve, these facilities have drawn increased interest. However, the disparity in service quality and management practices has led to numerous consumer disputes in this emerging sector.
During the meeting, the Xiamen Municipal Market Regulation Bureau announced the release of the “Fair Contract Guidelines for Postpartum Mother-Infant Care Services.” This marks the first comprehensive contract guide in the province dedicated to this field.
The guidelines specifically tackle key issues related to consumer disputes at confinement centers, including changes to the length of stay, disclosure of health risks, the scope of care services, management during the stay, liability for personal and property damages, and breach of contract responsibilities. Designed to protect the rights of both parties, these provisions aim to create a balanced and fair contractual framework.
Operators of confinement centers can reference these guidelines to enhance their service quality, prevent disputes, and effectively safeguard the legal rights of both consumers and providers. The meeting also introduced a “Risk Alert for the Postpartum Mother-Infant Care Industry,” advising stakeholders on important regulatory information often overlooked due to a lack of experience or legal understanding.
As a burgeoning industry, confinement centers encompass various services including accommodation, dining, and caregiving, all subject to numerous legal regulations and oversight. Shortcomings in any area can detrimentally affect the rights of mothers and infants, as well as hinder broader industry growth. The “Risk Alert” serves as a vital “avoid pitfalls” guide for consumers and a “guiding light” for business operators.
This event, facilitated by the Xiamen Municipal Market Regulation Bureau and hosted by the Haicang District Market Regulation Bureau, saw participation from over 70 representatives, including officials from the local court, health bureau, and confinement center operators.
Li Jiaming, a member of the Xiamen Municipal Market Regulation Bureau’s leadership team and Food Safety Director, underscored the importance of stable development in the confinement center industry, as it directly impacts maternal and infant health. He stressed that this sector is a crucial component of residents’ pursuit of high-quality living services, requiring attention and collaboration from government departments and the community. Moving forward, the market regulation authority plans to promote the implementation of the “Fair Contract Guidelines” across the city to enhance compliance in contract standardization, food safety, and advertising, ultimately contributing to the creation of a more supportive environment for childbirth.
