Analysis of Inequality in the Distribution of Various Types of Pharmacies Using the Gini Coefficient and Lorenz Curve

Inequitable distribution of health resources leads to high costs and sustainable poverty for households. Therefore, it is necessary to study distribution in health. The most common indicator for measuring inequality is the Gini coefficient. Therefore, the present study was conducted to measure and analyze inequality in the distribution of various pharmacies using the Gini coefficient and the Lorenz curve in Iran. This research was a retrospective cross-sectional study that looked at the state and trend of inequality in the distribution of various types of pharmacies in 11 Lorestan cities from 2016 to 2021. Data was gathered from various data centers. Finally, the Gini coefficient and the Lorenz curve were determined. Excel was utilized in this project. The results study showed an increase in the Gini coefficient of the total pharmacies in Lorestan province (0.436) which is relatively indicative of the unfair distribution of the pharmacies but this value is higher for private pharmacies (0.545). The Gini coefficient of public pharmacies was (0.377) and for rural pharmacies was (0.282). So, to achieve an appropriate level of justice in the distribution of pharmaceuticals and pharmacies, resources should be distributed according to the requirements of city residents. Different kinds of pharmacies should be considered for different population groups when developing policies.