Assessing equity in the distribution of hospital beds in Lorestan, western Iran: a regional analysis

Background: Equity in health service delivery ensures that resources are distributed based on need, minimizing barriers to access and reducing health disparities. Hospital beds are a critical healthcare resource, essential for providing timely and effective medical care. This study aims to evaluate the equity in the distribution of hospital beds in Lorestan Province, western Iran, using the Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve as analytical tools.

Methods: Data on the number of hospital beds and population statistics for each city in Lorestan were collected from the Lorestan University of Medical Sciences and the Statistical Center of Iran. The equity of hospital bed distribution was assessed using the Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve, with analyses conducted using R statistical software.

Results: Lorestan Province, with a population of 1,678,873, has significant disparities in hospital bed distribution. The Gini coefficient for hospital beds was 0.27, indicating moderate inequality. The Lorenz curve showed a substantial deviation from the equity line, highlighting the imbalance. Khorramabad and Aligudarz exhibited the highest inequality, while Rumeshkan, Kuhdasht, and Poldokhtar had more equitable distributions.

Conclusions: The study reveals notable inequities in hospital bed distribution in Lorestan Province, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions. Strategic resource allocation, infrastructure development, and policy reforms are essential to enhance healthcare equity. Continuous monitoring and consideration of additional healthcare resources and socioeconomic factors are recommended for comprehensive future assessments.