#Japan #online consultation #Kids Public #Zamami Village

Addressing Maternal and Child Health Challenges in Remote Islands

Zamami Village, nestled within the Kerama Islands National Park, has recently taken a significant step towards enhancing maternal and child healthcare access for its residents. Effective July 1, 2025, the village will roll out a new online consultation service known as "Obstetric and Pediatric Online" operated by Kids Public, a company based in Tokyo. This initiative is aimed at creating a supportive environment where families can easily consult obstetricians, midwives, and pediatricians directly from their smartphones.

The Significance of Online Health Consultation

Zamami Village, famed for its breathtaking "Kerama Blue" waters, presents a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, having once served as a trading hub between the Ryukyu Islands and China. Tourists flock to the village for its pristine beaches, such as the Michelin-rated Ko-Zamami Beach, and winter visitors often take part in whale watching, as humpback whales migrate to the area for calving and nurturing. Despite these attractions, the village faces challenges in providing adequate healthcare services, particularly for maternal and child health.

As it stands, Zamami Village lacks resident obstetricians and pediatricians, especially during nights and weekends. This lack of medical consultation availability can leave expecting mothers and parents uncertain about whether to seek immediate care. To address these concerns and provide reassurance, the village recognized the pressing need for a robust telemedicine system that can connect residents with healthcare professionals.

Revolutionary Steps Through Online Services

In response to these challenges, Kids Public has been entrusted to provide the "Obstetric and Pediatric Online" service, launching an online health consulting platform. This service will enhance the support available for pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting in Zamami Village, allowing parents to access essential healthcare advice without traveling far.

Features of the Service

• - Nighttime Consultations: Available on weekdays from 6 PM to 10 PM, residents can book 10-minute sessions to consult with either an obstetrician or a pediatrician.
• - Anytime Consultations: Residents can submit inquiries via a one-question form through the website, allowing for responses at any time, 24/7.
• - Daytime Midwife Consultations: On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 PM to 5 PM, parents can interact with midwives without an appointment for chat consultations.

Vision for the Future

The Mayor of Zamami Village, Tetsu Miyazato, expressed optimism regarding the introduction of this online consultation service. He noted that with only two county-run medical facilities available, ensuring 24-hour healthcare for residents remains a significant challenge. Mayor Miyazato believes that the "Obstetric and Pediatric Online" service will be a critical resource that enables community members to live with peace of mind, knowing that competent healthcare support is just a message away.

The mayor sees this initiative as a foundation for expanding medical services further in the future, potentially including online treatment options.

In summary, Zamami Village’s integration of the "Obstetric and Pediatric Online" service represents a significant leap toward overcoming the barriers to healthcare access faced by residents in remote areas, ensuring that no family has to face the challenges of pregnancy and parenting in isolation.

For more information, you can visit Obstetric Online and Pediatric Online.

Contact Information

For inquiries, the public can reach out to Kids Public:

• - Website: Kids Public
• - Location: 11-8 Kanda Mitoshirocho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - Phone: 03-6774-7937
• - Email: [email protected]

Founded on December 28, 2015, Kids Public operates with the mission of creating a society where no one feels isolated in parenting, supporting children’s health through internet services.