Online Consultation Service for Obstetrics and Pediatrics Launched in Nerima, Tokyo

Introduction of Online Consultation Service

In a groundbreaking initiative for Tokyo's 23 wards, Nerima Ward has introduced the online service 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online' to enhance evening and weekend consultation capabilities. Beginning May 14, 2025, this essential service, managed by Kids Public Co., Ltd, allows residents convenient access to consultations through their smartphones.

Need for the Service

Nerima Ward, located in Tokyo's northwestern region, is a green residential area with excellent access to the city center. Known for its abundant parks, it is fondly referred to as 'the city where the wind blows through the greenery.' A recent survey conducted during infant health check-ups indicated that an impressive 96.3% of residents expressed a desire to raise children in the area, highlighting the local government's commitment to robust child-rearing policies and facilities.

The rising number of dual-income households and working mothers has created a demand for accessible consultation services. Unfortunately, many parents find it difficult to go out for consultations due to various circumstances during pregnancy and child-rearing. Thus, the importance of an online consultation service has become increasingly clear. Not only is there a need for daytime consultation services, but also for a more enriched environment utilizing ICT technology.

To address these needs, Nerima Ward has set a goal in its 'Nerima Ward Health Support Plan (FY 2025 - FY 2028)' to implement evening online consultations and chat services by FY 2028. This includes the introduction of the 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online' health consultation service, which allows easy access to healthcare professionals outside regular governmental hours. The ability to consult obstetricians and pediatricians online during off hours has been highly regarded.

Services Offered

By offering the convenience of consulting with obstetricians, midwives, and pediatricians directly from their smartphones, the initiative aims to improve support for pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting in Nerima Ward. The service includes:

- Evening Consultations: Available weekdays from 6 PM to 10 PM, where users can book 10-minute sessions with either an obstetrician or a pediatrician.
- Anytime Consultations: A 24-hour service where questions can be submitted via a web form, allowing for a single question-and-answer format.
- Daytime Midwife Consultations: Available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 PM to 5 PM for direct chat consultations with a midwife, no prior booking required.

This initiative is not only a response to current societal needs but is also indicative of broader changes to come in healthcare accessibility. It shows a commitment to ensuring families can seek health advice conveniently, easing some of the stress and concerns that come with parenting.

Supporting Quotes

A representative from Nerima Ward's Health Promotion Division stated, “With the rise of smartphone usage and dual-income families, it has become essential to enrich environments that allow consultations concerning pregnancy and child-rearing outside of regular hours and district office windows. We will implement 24/7 email consultations, chat, and online consultations during nighttime and daytime.” This reflects a growing recognition that parents need flexible support systems to address their concerns.

The 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online' service can be accessed through:

Conclusion

As we move forward, the launch of the 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online' service promises to significantly enhance the quality of support for parents in Nerima Ward, adapting to the evolving needs of families in a modern urban environment. By leveraging technology, Nerima Ward is setting a precedent for future initiatives aimed at making healthcare more accessible and user-friendly, ensuring that no parent feels isolated during their times of need.