#Japan #Kids Public #Tokashiki Village #online consultations

Tokashiki Village Launches Online Service for Maternity and Pediatric Care

In a remarkable initiative to enhance healthcare access, Tokashiki Village in Okinawa has begun its 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online' service, managed by Kids Public, a Tokyo-based company. Starting July 1, 2025, this service empowers residents to seek advice from obstetricians, midwives, and pediatricians through their smartphones, thereby supporting safe pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare.

Background of the Initiative

Located approximately 32 km west of Naha City, Tokashiki Village is part of the stunning Kerama Islands National Park, renowned for its crystal-clear waters known as 'Kerama Blue.' Surrounded by beautiful beaches like Aharen and Tokashiku, the village thrives on a combination of farming and fishing, particularly famous for its fresh tuna. Tokashiki has a rich history as a trade hub during the Ryukyu Kingdom era and serves as a breeding ground for humpback whales during winter, showcasing a harmonious coexistence of history and nature.

As part of its commitment to support families, Tokashiki Village has been providing various child-rearing assistance programs, including the 'Sukusuku Tokashikids' child-rearing support app, a mother-child interaction space within the health guidance center, and additional economic support. The aim is to cultivate a child-friendly environment where families can grow and thrive, fostering a community that supports children's development and encourages long-term residency in the village.

However, the absence of local pediatric and obstetric services means that residents often need to travel by ferry to access medical facilities in other areas. To address this issue, the village has introduced the online consultation service to ensure that residents can easily reach out to healthcare professionals, regardless of ferry schedules.

Kids Public is dedicated to creating an environment where families in Tokashiki can comfortably consult with obstetricians, midwives, and pediatricians, further enhancing support for pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing in the village.

Comments from Mayor Takehiro Niinato

Mayor Takehiro Niinato remarked, "In Tokashiki Village, we are committed to our fundamental philosophy of 'Supporting Healthy Growth and Future Dreams of Children Together.' We strive to provide various support for child-rearing in our community. With the launch of this free online consultation service for obstetricians and pediatricians, we expect to alleviate some of the anxieties faced by pregnant women and parenting households, as they can maintain constant connection with specialists."

Online Consultation from Home

The 'Obstetrics Online' (https://obstetrics.jp/) and 'Pediatrics Online' (https://syounika.jp/) services allow parents to consult with maternal and pediatric healthcare professionals using their smartphones.

• - Night Consultations: Available on weekdays from 6 PM to 10 PM, with a 10-minute reservation system to talk with either an obstetrician or pediatrician.
• - Anytime Consultation: A 24-hour service allowing users to send messages through the website's Q&A form for responses on their inquiries.
• - Daytime Midwifery Consultations: Unreserved chat consultations with midwives available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 PM to 5 PM.

This launch signifies a significant step toward improving the healthcare landscape in Tokashiki Village, making essential maternal and pediatric services accessible to all residents, thereby fostering a healthier, more supportive community for families.