#Japan #Fukuyama #Kids Public #Fukuyama City #online health

Online Consultation Services for Maternal and Child Health in Fukuyama City

On September 1, 2026, Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture will implement an innovative online consultation service called "Online Obstetrics and Pediatrics" in collaboration with Kids Public Co., Ltd., led by Naoya Hashimoto. This service aims to strengthen the support structure for expectant mothers and parents of young children, offering a platform to discuss concerns regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and preconception care.

Background of the Service

Since 2017, Fukuyama City has operated a consultation center named "Ano-ne" at 13 locations within the city, where public health nurses, nurses, and childcare workers address worries and uncertainties related to pregnancy and parenting. To date, approximately 13,500 consultations have been recorded, underscoring the significant demand for such support, as demonstrated by the results from fiscal year 2025.

However, the existing system posed some challenges, such as restricted consultation hours limited to city office working times and the need for in-person visits. To address these issues, the city has partnered with Kids Public to provide 24/7 access to obstetricians, pediatricians, and midwives through the Online Obstetrics and Pediatrics platform.

This service aims to create a safer environment for childbearing and child-rearing in Fukuyama City by offering wide-ranging support to address health concerns related to pregnancy, postpartum care, and preconception inquiries.

Services Offered by the Online Obstetrics and Pediatrics in Fukuyama City

The online service caters to local pregnant women, parents of young children, and youth, allowing free consultations with pediatricians, obstetricians, and midwives. Additionally, male partners are encouraged to seek advice regarding women's health.

• - 24/7 Consultation: Users can submit text-based questions any time of day, receiving text responses from medical professionals.
• - Evening Consultations: From 6 PM to 10 PM on weekdays, users can book 10-minute slots for consultation via LINE messaging or video calls, with reservations possible up to 15 minutes before the session.
• - Daytime Midwife Consultation: Parents can consult midwives through LINE messaging chat between 1 PM and 5 PM on weekdays without prior reservation.
• - Community Consultation Archive: This feature allows users to search and view past inquiries and the corresponding responses from medical professionals.

About Fukuyama City

Fukuyama City, located in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, is a core city in the Binge region, known for its rich natural beauty and cultural heritage along the Seto Inland Sea. Notable landmarks include the Tsubaki Port, known for its historical significance, and Fukuyama Castle.

In September of the previous year, the city established the Neuvora Center, aiming to centralize support for families, children, and young people, encompassing consultations, exchanges, and administrative procedures related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.

About Kids Public Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2015 by pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto, Kids Public began offering online pediatric consultations in May 2016. With the addition of obstetrician Daisuke Shigemi in 2017, the company launched its obstetrics online services, and in 2023, it commenced operations for daytime midwifery consultations. With over 300,000 consultations handled, the service provides various platforms for users 24/7 and places a strong emphasis on research and effective measures through online support.

For further information about Kids Public, you can visit their official website at Kids Public.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kids Public Co., Ltd.
Public Relations: Haruyama, Murakami
Tel: 050-1732-0536
Email: [email protected]