Inequalities in the Distribution of Health Care Facilities

Abstract

Inequality in the distribution of health care facilities is one of the main barriers to health care access. The purpose of this study was to assess the regional differences in health care facilities across the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad (KBA) province in order to reduce the gap between different regions. The study was carried out in the KBA province in the southwest of Iran. Fifteen health indices were selected based on their availability in the 2011 Statistical Centre of Iran (SCI) annual report. Data analysis was conducted through using numerical taxonomy. The findings obtained showed a huge gap between the different counties of the province. Yasouj had the highest (0.73) health indicator level, while Charam (0.982) had the lowest. Our findings can provide a big picture of the inequalities that exist in this province for policy-makers. Consequently, it enables policy-makers to make greater efforts for understanding the present conditions and moving towards a more equal distribution of health care services and facilities.