The planned establishment of Japan's second baby hatch, a place where people can anonymously leave unwanted babies, in Kobe has been put off, according to the nonprofit organization preparing to manage the facility.

The NPO said Monday that it notified the Kobe Municipal Government and the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry of the postponement Friday, blaming difficulties arranging to have a doctor stationed there around the clock as required by the city.

Based on the medical practitioner law, the municipal government told the organization that a doctor must be on duty at all times where this kind of service is available. Authorities made it a requirement because a medical opinion on whether to transport a baby left in the hatch to a hospital is needed immediately.