The Social Insurance Agency tapped into Japan's cash-strapped, state-run pension system and health insurance plans to pay for 370 million yen in medical checkups for its own employees in fiscal 2003 and 2004, it was learned Friday.
Although this is not illegal, the diversion of the funds is being questioned by opposition lawmakers, and the government may now be forced to review the practice.
The diverted funds were used to pay for 176 million yen in medical checkup costs for agency staff in fiscal 2003 and 196 million yen in fiscal 2004.