The 36-year-old woman was nearing labour and was suffering from a brain haemorrhage, but the hospitals said they did not have enough obstetricians and gynaecologists on duty at night.

One hospital that initially rejected her finally let her in, allowing her to give birth by Caesarean section. But she died three days later from the brain damage. The baby survived.

Japan's main opposition Democratic Party, which is pushing Prime Minister Taro Aso to call early polls, convened a special meeting and said that the world's second-largest economy should have better health care. The Health Ministry 'must feel gravely responsible', an opposition official said.

Health Minister Yoichi Masuzoe went to the hospital that first rejected but then treated her and demanded an explanation. But he also pinned the blame on the local authorities.

'The fundamental structural problem is there is a lack of doctors,' he said, adding: 'I don't believe a hospital that has only one doctor on duty can be called a pre-natal facility.'

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE