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. 2020 Dec 15:8:579269.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.579269. eCollection 2020.

Equity and Efficiency of Health Resource Allocation of Chinese Medicine in Mainland China: 2013-2017

Zhengjun Li  1   2 , Lili Yang  3   4 , Shaoliang Tang  1 , Yaoyao Bian  5
Affiliations

Equity and Efficiency of Health Resource Allocation of Chinese Medicine in Mainland China: 2013-2017

Zhengjun Li et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: In this study, we aimed to estimate the equity and efficiency of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) health resource allocation, utilization, and trend in mainland China from 2013 to 2017. Methods: The data were downloaded from the China Health Statistical Yearbook (2014-2018) and the China Statistical Yearbook (2018). The equity of TCM health resource allocation was evaluated through the Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient (G), and Theil index (T) based on population size and geographical area. The efficiency and productivity of TCM health resource utilization were assessed using the data envelopment analysis-based Malmquist productivity index. Results: TCM health resource had an increasing trend every year. The equity allocated by population (G ranging from 0.1 to 0.3) was better than that by geographic region (G > 0.5). T in the intra-groups was higher than those in the inter-groups. The equity of TCM resource allocation was the middle region > eastern region > western region. Most provinces (29 out of 31) had negative productivity changes, suggesting deterioration in productivity. Moreover, the middle region with higher scale sizes had more redundant inputs than the other two regions. However, the low technological development (all technical values <1) might hinder productive progress. Conclusion: The equity of TCM health allocated by the population was better than that by the geographic region. The intra-regional difference was the main reason for inequity sources. Productivities in more than 97% of provinces are inefficient. The frequency distribution of scale efficiency (score > 1) had increased since 2015. However, the frequency distribution of technical change (score > 1) decreased every year. The slow technological progress and low scale size might be the main reasons for low productivity.

Keywords: TCM; efficiency; equity; health resource; productivity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Lorenz curves of health resources in 2013 (A,B) and 2017 (C,D). (A,C) are the Lorenz curves allocated by population, whereas (B,C) are the Lorenz curves allocated by geographical regions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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