#Japan #online consultation #Kids Public #Minamata #Minamata City

Introduction

On May 1, 2026, a new service named "Online Maternity and Pediatric Consultation" will be available for residents of Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, thanks to a collaboration between Kids Public, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and the local government of Minamata City, led by Mayor Toshiharu Takaoka. This service provides an opportunity for easy access to specialized medical consultations from a pool of over 250 child specialists, obstetricians, and midwives, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Background of the Online Consultation Service

Recognizing the need for expanded support for families following the closure of local pediatric hospitals, Minamata City has been proactive in enhancing its services for expecting mothers, children, and families. Under the "Third Term Minamata City Child and Child-rearing Support Business Plan," the city has implemented various initiatives aimed at tackling the challenges faced by families in the community, including offering transportation and accommodation costs for expectant mothers visiting distant facility for childbirth.

As the number of nuclear families and dual-income households increases, many parents experience anxiety due to a lack of immediate support or guidance. In response to these difficulties, the introduction of the Online Maternity and Pediatric Consultation aims to create a readily accessible support system where families can easily reach out for help at any time.

Features of the Online Service

With the launch of the Online Maternity and Pediatric Consultation service, Minamata residents will have free access to consult with pediatricians, obstetricians, and midwives online. Some of the key features of the service include:

Anytime Consultations

Residents can submit questions via text at any time, and they will receive responses from healthcare professionals, which ensures continuous support.

Nighttime Consultations

From 6 PM to 10 PM on weekdays, users can reserve 10-minute slots for consultations via LINE messaging or video calls, allowing for more personalized interaction.

Daytime Midwife Consultations

During weekday afternoons from 1 PM to 5 PM, residents can consult with midwives through LINE messaging without the need for prior appointments, making it easier to seek advice.

Community Questions Archive

The service will include a searchable archive of previously asked questions and responses provided by healthcare professionals, giving users the ability to learn from past consultations.

Minamata City: Beautiful and Supportive Community

Minamata City is located at the southern tip of Kumamoto Prefecture, surrounded by rich natural resources and beautiful scenery, including the renowned terraced rice fields of the Samukawa District, which are recognized as one of Japan’s top rice terraces. The city has a cherished vision of creating a vibrant community where everyone feels secure and happy while raising their children. Their fundamental philosophy centers on comprehensive support from pregnancy through childcare, which aligns perfectly with this new service.

Overview of Kids Public

Founded in 2015 by pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto, Kids Public began its operations with the "Pediatric Online" service in May 2016. Subsequently, the company introduced the "Obstetrics Online" service with the support of obstetrician Daisuke Shigemi in 2018. By 2023, they had also launched daytime midwife consultations. So far, they have facilitated over 300,000 consultations successfully, featuring a robust team of more than 250 medical professionals, allowing for around-the-clock online consultations via text and video call.

Their versatile consultation options include a comprehensive archive of over 40,000 past consultations, making it easy for families to find relevant information. With more than 230 local governments already utilizing their services, Kids Public is continuously working on research and validation of their online consultation effects, ensuring they contribute effectively to developing a supportive society where every child can grow up healthily.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Online Maternity and Pediatric Consultation service in Minamata City is a significant step forward in supporting families, particularly in light of recent healthcare challenges. By bringing quality medical advice directly to homes, it aims to minimize stress and promote a smoother childbirth and parenting experience for families throughout the city.

For more information about Kids Public, visit Kids Public Website.