#Japan #Kids Public #online health #Inabe #Inabe City

Inabe City to Launch Online Perinatal Consultation Services

Inabe City, located in the northern part of Mie Prefecture, is set to enhance its child-rearing support services by introducing the "Obstetrics and Pediatric Online" platform provided by Kids Public Inc., effective April 1, 2026. This initiative stems from the city’s commitment to ensure that all families can confidently raise their children in a supportive environment.

About the Online Consultation Service

The "Obstetrics and Pediatric Online" service provides residents access to consultations with over 250 professionals including pediatricians, obstetricians, and midwives, 24/7. The service has already seen over 150,000 registrants since its initial launch in 2016 and has answered more than 300,000 inquiries. This platform is designed to make it easy for users to gain instant access to expert advice, thus merging in-person and digital support to guarantee that citizens can navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing with confidence.

Background of the Initiative

This initiative is in line with the city’s "Third Phase Inabe City Child and Child-Rearing Support Business Plan (Fiscal Year 2025-2029)." Inabe City has been proactive in facilitating a supportive environment for families, offering prenatal classes and postpartum support, including congratulations calls and welcome visits. Despite existing initiatives, there remained challenges regarding consultation services after regular municipal hours, particularly during nights and weekends, where families needed immediate access to medical advice. The introduction of online consultations aims to address these gaps.

Comprehensive Support for Women and Families

The new service extends beyond just pregnancy-related inquiries. It caters to various life stages, addressing issues from preconception care to menopause. In collaboration with Inabe City, the platform aims to create a comprehensive support system that benefits not just child-rearing families, but also all women and families in their diverse life stages.

Features of the Online Consultation Service

• - Anytime Consultations: Users can submit inquiries via text at any time and receive responses within 24 hours from medical professionals.
• - Evening Consultations: On weekdays from 6 PM to 10 PM, appointments can be made for 10-minute consultations via LINE messaging or video calls, enhancing accessibility.
• - Daytime Midwife Consultations: Midwives are available for informal consultations via LINE messaging on weekdays from 1 PM to 5 PM without prior appointments.
• - Consultation Archives: Users can search and view previously answered inquiries and responses from health professionals, valuably leveraging the service’s extensive database of over 40,000 consultation cases.

Mayor’s Vision

Yasushi Hioki, Mayor of Inabe City, expressed optimism about the new online service. He emphasized how technology can facilitate access to essential support for childbirth and parenting, ensuring helpful resources are available anytime and anywhere. The city aims to further enhance health services, supporting everyone from students to those entering the menopause stage, promoting a continuous array of health initiatives for its residents.

About Inabe City

Inabe City has a population of approximately 45,000 and is famed for its natural beauty, located near the Suzuka Mountains. The city focuses on child-centered initiatives, providing services that prioritize the needs of families and ensuring a nurturing environment. The initiative aligns with the city’s commitment to incorporate ICT (Information and Communication Technology) to advance educational and administrative practices.

About Kids Public

Founded in 2015 by pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto, Kids Public launched the "Pediatric Online" service in 2016. In 2018, the "Obstetrics Online" service followed, driven by the effort of obstetrician Daisuke Shigemine. The team consists of more than 250 medical professionals, all working towards providing accessible healthcare through digital means. The company's growth reflects a commitment to evidence-based consultation services, enhancing the health and well-being of families at every stage of life.

For inquiries regarding this press release, please contact:
Kids Public Public Relations - Haruyama and Murakami, TEL: 050-1732-0536, Email: [email protected]