A Tokyo medical equipment sales company won a bid to supply costly equipment to a hospital at Tohoku University in 2006, with a bid price that was exactly the same as the cost estimated by the university.

The Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo-based firm won the right to supply a surgical microscope, eye examination equipment and an image filing system–all at the same price of almost 16 million yen each despite being different items–in bidding that took place in August and September 2006.

The university hospital in Aoba Ward, Sendai, is investigating the matter, stating it is not surprised it has been accused of collusion with the supplier.