Equity in Geographical Distribution of Dialysis Beds and Nephrologists Based on the Lorenz Curve and Gini Coefficient Need Indices: Case of Iran

Equity is an important index in resource distribution and access to health services. Human or equipments may be distributed inappropriately if decision-makers do not pay attention to need indices. This not only creates obstacles in access to health services، but also results in an inefficient allocation of resources. This study aimed to assess equity in distribution of dialysis beds and nephrologists in Iran، 2009.

In this cross-sectional study، we gathered the data including number of dialysis beds، number of patients and nephrologists from all provinces. Data were entered into the Excel and were analyzed using the Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient.

In 2009، 18586 patients underwent dialysis in Iran. Most of the patients were hospitalized in Tehran (n=3991). Ilam had the least number of the dialysis patients (n=83). The total number of dialysis beds was 3722 in Iran mostly located in Tehran (n=666). The Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad had the least number of beds (n=23) in Iran. The total number of nephrologists was 335 in 2009 in Iran from whom 151 individuals worked in Tehran. On average، there were 25 dialysis patients، five dialysis beds and 0. 44 nephrologists per 100000 populations.

Although، according to the Lorenz curve، dialysis beds have been distributed appropriately، distribution of the nephrologists was not appropriate. Regarding the role of the human resources in delivering adequate health services، appropriate distribution of nephrologists can result in high efficiency of resources in health system in Iran.