#Japan #Kids Public #Online Healthcare #Ashibetsu City #Ashibetsu

Introduction

Ashibetsu City in Hokkaido has made a significant leap forward by launching the online service 'Maternity and Pediatric Healthcare.' Starting from July 1, 2026, residents of Ashibetsu will be able to access specialized medical advice from obstetricians, pediatricians, and midwives through their smartphones. This initiative, led by Kids Public, aims not only to ease parental anxieties but to contribute to building a community where pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing can be approached with confidence.

Background of the Initiative

The introduction of online healthcare is part of Ashibetsu's broader strategy to create a nurturing environment for raising children. The city has been proactive in establishing seamless support systems covering all stages, from pregnancy to early childcare. This commitment is evident through various child-rearing support initiatives and counseling services offered by health workers, fostering a community conducive to raising healthy future generations.

However, Ashibetsu faces pressing issues typical of rural areas, including a declining population and a shortage of local healthcare facilities. As medical resources continue to concentrate in urban areas, ensuring robust maternal and child healthcare becomes challenging. The rise of nuclear families has further compounded feelings of isolation and anxiety among child-rearing households, highlighting the urgent need for accessible counseling services.

To meet the increasing demand for medical consultation, Kids Public's online health consultation service aims to provide timely, expert advice that can be accessed at any time and place. By introducing this service, Ashibetsu hopes to alleviate the worries parents may have and enhance the overall support for pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing in the city.

About Ashibetsu City

Located in the heart of Hokkaido, Ashibetsu is characterized by its vast natural landscapes, with approximately 88% of the area covered by forest. The city promotes itself as a 'starry village,' recognized by the Ministry of the Environment for its beautiful night skies and fresh air. Historically a coal mining town, Ashibetsu is rich in cultural heritage and local traditions, such as the renowned 'Kenka Yamaboko' festival.

The city is acutely aware of the societal challenges presented by the declining birthrate and an aging population, prompting the launch of the '3rd Ashibetsu Child and Child-Rearing Support Business Plan' in the fiscal year 2025. Through this plan, the city aims to establish a continuous support network for families raising children, with the online health consultation service being a significant part of realizing a city that is easy to raise children in. By effectively utilizing ICT, Ashibetsu aspires to support the health and wellness of its children and parents, elevating community well-being.

Online Maternity and Pediatric Services

Residents of Ashibetsu will have various options for consultations:

• - 24/7 Consultation: Users can submit inquiries via a web-based form to receive written responses from medical professionals within 24 hours.
• - Evening Consultations: Scheduled consultations with doctors or midwives are offered on weekdays from 6 PM to 10 PM, utilizing LINE chat and video calls.
• - Daytime Midwife Consultations: Available from 1 PM to 5 PM on weekdays, allowing parents to communicate freely without prior booking.
• - Consultation Search: A database of verified inquiries and responses created by medical staff can be searched for relevant past cases.

Comments from Mayor Masaru Kitamura

Mayor Masaru Kitamura has addressed the growing concern surrounding children's health and parenting issues, especially in light of reduced healthcare access in rural areas. He believes that this online consultation service will play a crucial role in providing parents with easy access to expert advice, significantly reducing the uncertainty and stress they face.

"This project is essential for the health of Ashibetsu's children, our future generation. We hope it enhances the well-being of families in our community."

About Kids Public

Founded in 2015 by pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto, Kids Public is committed to improving health consultations for families. The company launched 'Pediatrics Online' in May 2016 and expanded its services to include 'Maternity Online' in 2018. By 2023, Kids Public had implemented a midwifery consultation service during the day, accumulating over 300,000 consultation cases. With more than 250 qualified medical professionals within its network, Kids Public offers diverse consultation options, providing 24/7 text-based advice alongside video consultations and a vast database of resolved inquiries.

The incorporation of online consultations has proven to be a transformative step toward fulfilling the needs of families in various municipalities. It reflects a growing commitment to utilizing technology in supporting child development and family health.