Study on the Equity of Health Resources Allocation in Jiangsu on Gini Coefficient and Theil Index

Zhang Minmin; Li Miao; Qian Yuqi; Wang Yufang

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1001-568X.2025.09.0003

Abstract：OBJECTIVE To analyze the current situation of fairness in the allocation of health resources in Jiangsu Province from 2015 to 2022,and provide reference for optimizing the allocation of health resources,formulating regional health plans,and evaluating the implementation effect of new medical reforms.METHODS Extract relevant data from the Jiangsu Health Yearbook and Jiangsu Statistical Yearbook from 2015 to 2022,and use a combination of Gini coefficient and Theil index to analyze the fairness of health resource allocation in Jiangsu Province.RESULTS From 2015 to 2020,the Gini coefficient of healthcare resources in Jiangsu Province ranged from 0.0063 to 0.1253 based on population distribution,and from 0.0515 to 0.2401 based on geographical distribution.All indicators were below 0.3.From 2015 to 2022,the total Theil index of healthcare resources in Jiangsu Province ranged from 0.0016 to 0.014,all below 0.1.There were significant changes in contribution rates among regions and between regions;the contribution rates of beds,practicing(assistant)physicians,and registered nurses in the total Theil index were highest in the southern region of Jiangsu Province,and increased annually,reaching 78.58%,67.36%and 56.23%respectively by 2022.CONCLUSION The overall quantity of healthcare resources in Jiangsu Province increased from 2015 to 2022,but regional disparities exist.The southern region of Jiangsu Province has more healthcare resources but lower fairness,while the central region is the most equitable,followed by the northern region.After 2020,the Gini coefficient based on population distribution was lower than that based on geographical distribution,indicating that equity in healthcare resources allocation based on population is better than that based on geography.The main reasons include differences in population density,government policy orientation,concentration of medical resources in economically developed areas,and the influence of market mechanisms.It is necessary to increase medical infrastructure construction and educate medical talents in the central and northern regions of Jiangsu Province.