Evaluating indicators of the efficiency of health services in the Jableh region and the prospects for their development

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of health services in the Jableh district of Latakia Governorate by analyzing six indicators: households, health centers, physicians (classified), pharmacists, accessibility, and spatial equity. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach using data from the Health Directorate and the Google Earth Pro and ArcGIS 10.8 software, with a standardized population of 270,183 and analysis of the indicators at the level of the six administrative districts. The results revealed a severe shortage of hospital beds, with a total of 180 beds compared to a need of at least 270 beds, and a concentration of all hospitals in the city center. The health center index recorded a deficit of 104 centers, with a deprivation rate of 74.5%; the city center had the highest deprivation rate (89.3%), while deprivation rates in Ain Shakaq reached 73.9% and in Beit Yashout 57.1%. The distribution of doctors also revealed a heavy concentration in the city center (210 out of 298 doctors) and disparities in travel time (45 minutes in Beit Yashut versus 5 minutes in the city center). The study recommended establishing 45 new health centers based on priority indicators, redistributing doctors, and improving infrastructure to achieve spatial equity and service efficiency.