Medical resource allocation equity in Xinjiang, 2005 – 2015: a data analysis

  Objective  To evaluate the equity of medical resources allocation in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) between 2005 – 2015 for providing evidences to the optimization of allocation of medical resources in the region.

  Methods  We collected data on demographic and regional distribution of medical resources during the period in Xinjiang from Statistics Yearbook of Xinjiang and assessed the equity of the allocation using Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve and Theil index.

  Results  During the 11-year period in the region, the average annual growth rate of the amount of medical resources was 6.56% for beds, 5.35% for technical personnel, 5.14% for licensed practicing (assistant) doctors, and 8.99% for registered nurses. The allocation of the medical resources in Urumqi municipality was greatly higher than that in other regions in Xinjiang. The The Gini coefficients for demographic and regional allocation of medical resources ranged 0.08 and 0.60, indicating an unequal allocation of medical resources in the region.

  Conclusion  The equity for medical resources allocation needs to be improved in Xinjiang.