Investigating the Distribution of Health Resources in Iran by Using Gini Coefficient (2011-2020)

Introduction: One of the most important goals of health systems and policy makers in this field is equality in access to health services. Inequality in the distribution of health resources leads to different health levels between different regions of the country. The aim of this study was to investigate inequalities in the distribution of health resources in the provinces of Iran. Method: This is an applied study and a descriptive-analytical study that was conducted to investigate inequality of distribution of health resources in public sector during the period 2011-2020 by using Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve.  Findings: The highest Gini coefficient was related to health houses 0.33، pharmacies 0.32 and laboratories 0.35 which had relatively unequal distribution. Gini coefficient of specialist physicians decreased from 0.21 to 0.13. The distribution of general practitioners and dentists، although based on Gini coefficient values، shows equal and relatively equal distribution، but the numerical value of Gini coefficient has been increasing in the study period. Discussion: The findings of this study confirm that although the average of health resources (per 10،000 population) have increased in most indicators، but the distribution of these resources between the provinces has worsened. Therefore, in order to more equitably distribute health resources of the public sector among the provinces, policies should be revised in such a way to reduce distance between provinces and increase justice in the distribution of health resources.