Kids Public Launches Innovative In-Person Online Pediatric Care in Fukaya City

Introduction

On April 20, 2026, a press conference was held within the Fukaya City Hall, showcasing the debut of the 'In-Person Pediatric Online Consultation' service initiated by Kids Public, a healthcare venture based in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This unique collaboration with Fukaya City, led by Mayor Susumu Kojima, officially kicked off on April 19, 2026, and aims to revolutionize pediatric care in the region.
This innovative initiative is a response to the revised Medical Care Act that took effect on April 1, 2026, allowing parents and guardians to consult with pediatricians online from local government facilities. Notably, this service is the first of its kind in Japan, making it a significant development in providing healthcare support to families.

Media Coverage and Highlights

The press conference was attended by various media outlets, including public broadcasters, newspapers, and medical journals, all eager to report on this new approach to pediatric healthcare and Fukaya City's efforts in supporting child-rearing.
Mayor Kojima began the conference by shedding light on the severe shortage of pediatricians in the northern region of Saitama Prefecture. He emphasized the concerns of young parents regarding inadequate medical care available during emergency situations, particularly at night and on weekends. The Mayor described this issue as a pressing problem that cannot be overlooked.

He shared that the positive feedback received from a trial conducted last year—where parents eagerly expressed their desire for the service to continue—has propelled Fukaya City to pioneer the implementation of 'In-Person Pediatric Online Consultation.' He concluded by expressing his hope that this project would enhance the parenting environment in Fukaya City, allowing families to feel supported and secure. He also committed to ongoing collaboration with the medical association and relevant institutions to foster a nurturing environment for children.

Overview from Kids Public

Following Mayor Kojima's address, Naoya Hashimoto, the representative of Kids Public, outlined the logistics behind this novel service. He detailed that while Fukaya City provides the facility and operational assistance, Kids Public will be responsible for setting up and managing the consultation facilities, with cooperating medical institutions executing the pediatric examinations.

The 'In-Person Pediatric Online Consultation' is positioned as a supplement to the existing 'Kodomo Night Clinic' operated by the Fukaya and Yorii Medical Association, specifically during times when the clinic is closed, such as Sunday and holiday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This initiative offers a new option for initial pediatric care that aims to enhance regional healthcare accessibility.

Demonstration of the Service

The day's events included a live demonstration showcasing the medical equipment utilized for consultations. During the demonstration, nurses measured children's respiratory sounds and throat conditions, transmitting the data to the attending physicians. The data was displayed in real time on a projector screen, illustrating the seamless interaction between the nurse and the doctor during the consultation process.

Vision for Sustainable Pediatric Care

Kids Public envisions a sustainable pediatric healthcare system that blends in-person and online services. The 'In-Person Pediatric Online Consultation' particularly addresses the needs for pediatric care on Sundays and holidays, aligning with the company's mission to create a society where every child can thrive through a healthy upbringing.

Kids Public has already implemented successful online health consultation services in various municipalities, such as 'Obstetrics and Pediatrics Online,' thereby setting a new standard in healthcare by merging medical expertise with technology. The company continually strives to safeguard children's health and promote well-being on a national scale.

About Kids Public

Founded in 2015 by pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto, Kids Public launched its first online health consultation service for pediatrics in May 2016. In 2017, Daisuke Shigemi joined the team and helped establish the online obstetrics service, further expanding the range of support offered. With over 300,000 consultations conducted, Kids Public provides multiple avenues for childcare support, ensuring parents can access medical professionals 24/7. Their efforts have led to the establishment of over 230 municipal partnerships, allowing for significant advancements in research, practical verification, and evidence-based practices in pediatric care.