Analysis of the variation trends of bed allocation and its equity at primary medical institutions in China

Objective Measure the variation trend and the problems of bed allocation and its equity at primary medical institutions and provide theoretical basis for optimizing the policy of health resources allocation for the government. Methods Analysis of the distribution and equity of the inpatient beds at primary medical institutions in terms of geographical area by means of the survey of regular overall statistics forms and the methods of Gini coefficient and Theil index. Results From 2009 to 2012, the number increase of beds at such institutions geographically was 7.72%, while that in eastern, central and western regions of China were respectively 5.35%, 3.97%and 27.88%.The number increase at community healthcare centers was 46.58%, while that in eastern, central and western regions of the country were respectively 18.09%, 29.57%和81.53%.The number increase at township hospitals was 2.33%, while that in eastern, central and western regions were respectively -3.83%, -0.43%and 22%.The Gini coefficient of bed allocation at such institutions was beyond 0.6, while that in eastern, central and western regions were respectively under 0.3, 0.3-0.4 and 0.6 above.The Gini coefficient of bed allocation at community healthcare centers fell from above 0.4 to under 0.4.The Gini coefficient in the western regions increased from 0.3-0.4 to over 0.4.The variation trend of township hospitals was similar with the overall conditions at such institutions.The intra-regional Theil indexes and their contribution rates of bed allocation at such institutions were higher than those of inter-regional. Conclusions The overall variation trend of bed allocation at such institutions was on the rise, yet its variation trend of equity remains unchanged.The bed allocation and its equity at such institutions were higher than those at township hospitals.The growth rate in western regions was the highest, but the absolute number was the lowest.Moreover, the equity of bed allocation in such regions was not only the lowest, but also was found rising.The influence of bed allocation in intra-region terms was large, while its equity was not only lower but falling as well. Key words: Primary medical institutions; Bed; Equity; Community healthcare centers; Township hospital