Measuring the Inequalities in the Distribution of Public Healthcare Resources by the HRDI (Health Resources Density Index): Data Analysis from 2010 to 2019

Abstract

Background: In China, a developing country, the imbalance of development exists in different fields, and the inequalities in the distribution of healthcare services have garnered increasing attention. This study aimed to assess the healthcare services allocation and compare the latest distribution ratios of the essential healthcare indicators with the national requirement values announced by the government to research the level of healthcare development in China. Methods: Data were extracted from the Chinese Statistical Yearbook (2010–2019). The Healthcare Resource Density Index (HRDI) was used to evaluate equity in the demographic and geographical dimensions. The requirement values related to the ratio of doctors, nurses, and institution beds per thousand people were drawn from government documents. The data of healthcare serviceability indicators were compared with those requirements to check the situation of each province’s medical development. Results: From 2010 to 2018, there was a sustainable upward trend in government investment, however, a noticeable drop in the investment in northeast areas was seen. Although the HRDI of the institutions, beds, doctors, and nurses experienced some small fluctuations over the years, the developing areas in the middle-west areas had almost approached the level of developed east areas. There were only four provinces that met the requirements of the government in all three indicators (the ratio of institution beds, doctors, and nurses per thousand people). Conclusion: The equality of the distribution of healthcare services in China was unfair between the eastern and middle-western areas. The government launched the developing requirements and paid additional attention to narrowing the imbalance among different economic level regions to meet the needs of the local people. Although many provinces did not meet the requirements for medical resources in 2019, the distribution of healthcare services was approached relatively equitably countrywide.