#Japan #Yokohama #Kids Public #Pamatoko

Yokohama Enhances Childcare Services With Expanded Online Health Consultations

In April 2026, Kids Public Inc., based in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, will officially expand its health consultation service in collaboration with Yokohama’s childcare support app, ‘Pamatoko.’ This initiative is aimed at supporting approximately 440,000 residents by increasing the age range of consultations available from pre-school children to include school-age children up to 15 years of age. The online health consultation service, which provides access to more than 250 pediatricians, obstetricians, and midwives, is available 24/7. This service has been implemented in 252 municipalities, receiving over 300,000 consultations since its launch in 2016.

About the Pamatoko Parenting Support App

Pamatoko is designed as a comprehensive platform that aggregates useful information for raising children, while facilitating various online procedures. Users receive timely information tailored to their child's age and their residential area through search features and push notifications. As of March 2026, over 160,000 individuals have registered for the app, with more than 95% of new parents utilizing it within Yokohama.

Kids Public's Partnership with Yokohama

Kids Public emphasizes evidence-based business practices and has been collaborating with Yokohama City since implementing the ‘Pediatric Online’ services as a pilot project in 2017 in Sakae Ward. The partnership has led to significant achievements, such as:

• - A 13% reduction in the incidence of atopic dermatitis through skin care guidance in Sakae Ward.
• - Evidence demonstrating a decrease in childcare-related anxieties in Kohoku Ward due to consultations via the Pediatric Online service.
• - A reduction in the number of high-risk postpartum depression cases achieved by providing consultations during late pregnancy.
• - A relative decrease of 33.5% in high-risk postpartum depression cases across Yokohama through the integration of the ‘Obstetric and Pediatric Online’ service.

The recent expansion of the consultation age range is expected to increase the number of eligible children from approximately 170,000 to around 440,000. This will enable more families to utilize the ‘Obstetric and Pediatric Online’ service and promote the city’s goal of becoming a more child-friendly environment.

Features of the Obstetric and Pediatric Online Service Available in Yokohama

• - Anytime Consultations: Residents who are pregnant or have children aged 0-15 can avail the service for free. Questions are accepted via text 24/7, and responses are provided by medical professionals.

• - Community Inquiry Search: Users can search and view past inquiries along with the responses provided by doctors and midwives. This feature supports parents in accessing valuable information efficiently.

Feedback from Users of the Service

Several citizens have shared their positive experiences with the service. One registered user expressed gratitude for the age expansion, noting that they had consulted 9 times since giving birth. Another parent appreciated the service’s timely assistance when seeking medical advice after hours.

Yokohama City’s Commitment

According to the Yokohama City Official, the focus on providing accessible consultation aligns with the city’s goals to address pregnancy and parenting concerns, thereby contributing to ensuring their residents' peace of mind. This expansion is anticipated to alleviate the anxieties of a broader demographic, enhancing family satisfaction and promoting both mental and temporal ease.

Future Directions

Dr. Naoya Hashimoto, the representative pediatrician of Kids Public, emphasized the importance of continuing support throughout the growth stages, from pregnancy to school age. He noted that there is an increasing need for healthcare access among school-aged children, as issues such as school refusal and social withdrawal have become more prevalent. The expansion of these services aims to ease the burdens faced by parents, ensuring a healthier upbringing for children.

About Kids Public

Founded in 2015, Kids Public is dedicated to supporting children and families through innovative online healthcare solutions. The organization has since focused on bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and parents, ensuring relevant information and consultations are easily accessible to all families in need.

For more information, visit Kids Public Website.