Hong Kong stocks rise as China's 3-child policy boosts health firms

May 31 (Reuters) - Hong Kong stocks inched up on Monday to post monthly gains, as China's three-child policy powered birth- and fertility-related stocks.

The Hang Seng index rose 0.1% to 29,151.80, while the China Enterprises Index gained 0.9% to 10,889.12 points.

Leading the gains, the Hang Seng healthcare index jumped 4.1%, while Hang Seng IT index rose 3.6%.

Shares in birth- and fertility-related companies listed on the mainland and in Hong Kong surged after China said married couples may have up to three children, a major policy shift from the existing limit of two after recent data showed a dramatic decline in births in the world's most populous country.

Suzhou Basecare Medical Corp Ltd, Jinxin Fertility Group Ltd, Aidigong Maternal & Child Health Ltd and Goodbaby International Holdings Ltd surged between 15.1% and 30.9%.

Shares of Chinese food delivery giant Meituan closed 10.9% higher, after the Tencent-backed company on Friday reported better-than-expected quarterly revenue.

For the month, HSI gained 2.3%, while HSCE firmed 0.6%, as inflation fears decreased both at home and abroad.

China's recent soft data also assuaged policy tightening fears that had weighed on the market.

China's factory activity slowed slightly in May as raw materials costs grew at their fastest pace in over a decade, weighing on the output of small and export-oriented firms.