sponsored program payouts by 237% from 140 million in 2017 to 479 million in 2018. 74 A prevalent issue for the agency is the claims of fraud. It was mentioned both by the national and regional offices. 75 This speaks volumes to the seriousness of the problem. There is allegedly fraud among hospitals and other service providers 76 and claims that even beneficiaries and agency staff 77 are part of the scam. Another issue is the lack of service providers and doctors willing to be placed in GIDAs impacts the agency’s accessibility and availability.78 There is also an inadequate number of personnel for the regional offices due to the vastness of the area covered. Since the agency will cover all Filipinos, it will basically be the biggest social protection provider and largest government owned and controlled corporation. (GOCC) With the passage of the UHCL, the agency hopes this will fast-track the creation of the restructured organization because that will help define how many personnel are needed to provide quality service. The agency holds several public and partner consultations including the “Alaga Ka Forum” which is meant especially for indigent members, 79 Health Care Providers Forum and PhilHealth Forward which gathers all relevant stakeholders including private hospitals and local executives to discuss programs, initiatives and ways forward with the agency.80 74 Ibid. 75 Consultation with PhilHealth national office (11 March 2019) and regional office (24 April 2019) 76 Just recently, a high-profile case involving payments allegedly made to ‘ghost’ dialysis patients, has made headlines in the country. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1128819/nbi-arrestswellmed-owner-over-ghost-dialysis-issue (11 June 2019) 77 “PhilHealth, Faltering in Fight Against Fraud” available from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1132225/philhealth-faltering-in-fight-against-fraud (19 June 2019) 78 Consultation with PhilHealth national office (11 March 2019) 79 Consultation with PhilHealth regional office (24 April 2019) 80 Ibid. 21