#Japan #online consultation #Kids Public #Higashine City #Higashine

Innovations in Parenting Support in Higashine City

Higashine City, located in the heart of Yamagata Prefecture, is set to implement a groundbreaking online consultation service for maternity and pediatric care. This initiative, managed by Kids Public, a Tokyo-based company, will launch on May 15, 2025, marking a first for the region. In a progressive move to support families, the service aims to provide residents with easier access to professional medical advice from obstetricians, pediatricians, and midwives directly through their smartphones, promoting a safer environment for pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing.

This service is particularly timely as families face numerous challenges related to modern lifestyles and varying work schedules. By enabling remote consultations, Higashine City aims to alleviate common concerns faced by expectant mothers and parents of young children, ensuring that they can receive guidance and support even during evening hours and weekends.

Background of the Initiative

Higashine City is renowned as the 'Fruit Kingdom' of Japan, particularly for its exceptional cherry harvest, which includes the prestigious Satonishiki variety. The city is strategically located with excellent transportation links, including the Sakuranbo-Higashine Station, which services the Yamagata Shinkansen, and multiple access points to the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway. This accessibility not only supports local agriculture but also enhances the city’s connections to nearby urban centers, including Sendai.

The initiative aligns with Higashine City’s commitment to being a parent-friendly community. The city has previously earned accolades for its robust childcare support programs, winning the prestigious Nikkei Childcare Support Award in 2008 as the first municipality in Japan to do so. Additionally, facilities like the Sakuranbo Tantal Center offer free access to indoor and outdoor play areas, emphasizing the city's dedication to fostering enjoyable and enriching experiences for children.

Objectives of the Online Consultation Service

The primary goal of introducing the Maternity and Pediatric Online Consultation service is to create a system that offers accessible and timely support for families. Recognizing the increasing isolation experienced by many parents due to contemporary family structures, Higashine City is keen to ensure that help is available whenever needed. This includes addressing concerns that arise during non-traditional office hours, helping to diminish stress associated with parenting.

A representative from the city's Child and Family Support department expressed the importance of diversifying support options, especially when traditional resources may not be readily accessible. By leveraging technology, families will have the ability to communicate with healthcare professionals and gain access to reliable information, significantly enhancing their confidence and well-being.

Features of the Online Service

The online service provides various consultation options:

• - Nighttime Consultations: Available Monday to Friday from 6 PM to 10 PM, offering a 10-minute reservation slot with obstetricians or pediatricians.
• - 24/7 Consultation: A form on the website enables users to submit questions anytime, facilitating asynchronous communication with healthcare providers.
• - Daytime Midwife Consultation: Available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 PM to 5 PM, where users can chat freely with midwives without prior booking.

This innovation aims not only to supplement existing support but to develop a comprehensive network of care that fits the needs of all families in Higashine City.

Conclusion

As Yamagata Prefecture's first initiative of its kind, the online consultation service encapsulates a transformative step in healthcare accessibility for new and prospective parents. By embracing technology, Higashine City is paving the way for a more supportive environment for raising children, helping to ease anxiety during one of life’s most significant transitions. The city’s commitment to innovation and community well-being reaffirms its role as a leader in child and family support.

For more information about the service and consultations, visit Kids Public.