Abstract
BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the dialectical relationship between equity and efficiency of health resource allocation and health service utilization in China.MethodsWe analyzed the inequity of health resource allocation and health service utilization based on concentration index (CI) and Gini coefficient. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to evaluate the inefficiency of resource allocation and service utilization. Factor Analysis (FA) was used to determine input/output indicators.ResultsThe CI of Health Institutions, Beds in Health Institutions, Health Professionals and Outpatient Visits were -0.116, -0.012, 0.038, and 0.111, respectively. Gini coefficient for the 31 provinces varied between 0.05 and 0.43; out of these 23 (742%) were observed to be technically efficient constituting the “best practice frontier”. The other 8 (25.8%) provinces were technically inefficient.ConclusionsHealth professionals and outpatient services are focused on higher income levels, while the Health Institutions and Beds in Health Institutions were concentrated on lower income levels. In China, a few provinces attained a basic balance in both equity and efficiency in terms of current health resource and service utilization, thus serving as a reference standard for other provinces.
Highlights
Equity and efficiency in health resource-allocation and health service utilization is being increasingly advocated [1, 2]
Health professionals and outpatient services are focused on higher income levels, while the Health Institutions and Beds in Health Institutions were concentrated on lower income levels
In China, a few provinces attained a basic balance in both equity and efficiency in terms of current health resource and service utilization, serving as a reference standard for other provinces
Summary
Equity and efficiency in health resource-allocation and health service utilization is being increasingly advocated [1, 2]. Equity in health resources is divided along horizontal and vertical dimensions [4]. The World Health Organization advocates the concepts of horizontal equity, healthcare to those in primary health need, and vertical equity, addressing those with the greatest need [5]. Efficiency studies help to delineate areas where costs could be reduced and output increased for a more efficient utilization of health services [6]. This study aims to evaluate the dialectical relationship between equity and efficiency of health resource allocation and health service utilization in China.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
