#Japan #Kids Public #Hachijo Town #Online medical care

Introduction

In a groundbreaking initiative, Hachijo Town, located approximately 290 kilometers south of Tokyo, is enhancing maternal and child healthcare through the introduction of 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online.' Starting July 1, 2025, residents will have access to specialized medical consultations via their smartphones, fostering a more supportive environment for pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing. This innovative approach, spearheaded by Kids Public, aims to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by residents of this remote volcanic island.

Background of Hachijo Town

Hachijo Island is renowned for its unique geographical features, including the prominent Hachijo Fuji and the ancient Mihara Mountain, both of which are nestled within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The island boasts a rich subtropical environment, characterized by lush foliage and a fascinating cultural heritage, including the traditional craft of 'Kihachijo,' which utilizes local plant materials for dyeing. Despite its natural beauty, Hachijo Town faces significant challenges in providing consistent and accessible healthcare, especially in maternal and child health.

Challenges in Local Healthcare

The local pediatric healthcare infrastructure primarily relies on a few part-time physicians at the town's only hospital. Services are often limited, particularly in urgent care situations during nighttime hours. As a result, Hachijo Town has prioritized addressing the burdens placed on healthcare professionals, ensuring a sustainable healthcare system that can adequately serve the community's needs.

Launch of the Digital Consultation Service

To combat these challenges, Kids Public was commissioned by Hachijo Town to implement 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online.' This online consultation service will offer residents the ability to interact with obstetricians, pediatricians, and midwives conveniently through their smartphones. Users can engage with healthcare professionals to discuss their concerns regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting, thereby alleviating anxiety and promoting well-being within the community.

The service includes:

• - Night Consultation: Available on weekdays from 6 PM to 10 PM, residents can book 10-minute consultations with medical professionals.
• - Anytime Consultation: Users can send inquiries in a one-question format via the website, available 24/7.
• - Daytime Midwife Consultation: Chat consultations with midwives are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 PM to 5 PM without prior appointments.

New Online Medical Models

In addition to launching this consultation service, Kids Public has undertaken a pilot project in collaboration with Tokyo's "King Salmon Project." This initiative employs specialized devices to facilitate remote consultations, ensuring healthcare providers can conduct high-quality assessments similar to in-person visits. Nurses stationed at consultation sites will utilize these advanced tools to gather vital health information, such as breathing sounds and throat conditions, thus expanding the possibilities of telemedicine for island residents.

Conclusion

By integrating innovative online healthcare solutions, Hachijo Town is making significant strides towards strengthening maternal and child health services. As families rely more on digital communication, such services promise to bring necessary medical guidance closer to home, ultimately contributing to a community where parenthood is supported and celebrated.

For more information on the services provided by Kids Public, visit Obstetrics Online or Pediatrics Online.

Contact Details

For inquiries regarding this initiative, please reach out to:
Kids Public
PR Department (Attn: Hayam)
Kids Public Contact
Location: 5th Floor SK Mitodai-cho Building, 11-8 Kanda Mitodai-cho, Chiyoda Ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6774-7937
Email: marketing@kids-public.co.jp
Established: December 28, 2015
Representative: Naoya Hashimoto (Pediatrician)
Mission: "To create a society where no one is isolated in parenting," focusing on child health and parenting support through the internet.