BEIJING - Childcare subsidy applications will be gradually rolled out across China in late August, with full access expected by Aug 31, said Wang Haidong, an official with the National Health Commission (NHC), at a press conference on Wednesday.

Wang said the commission, in coordination with relevant departments, is drafting documents including guidelines on the childcare subsidy system and fund management.

According to Wang, local authorities are required to formulate detailed implementation plans based on local conditions, and deploy and train grassroots staff. 

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Meanwhile, China's central budget will allocate 90 billion yuan (about $12.6 billion) this year to support the issuance of childcare subsidies, the Ministry of Finance said Wednesday.

The fund, as transfer payment from the central budget, will help local governments issue the subsidies, covering nearly 90 percent of the total issuance, ministry official Guo Yang told a press conference.

China has recently announced the introduction of a nationwide childcare subsidy program starting this year, as part of broader efforts to support families and encourage childbirth.