Turkish Journal of Geriatrics 2010 , Vol 13, Issue 4
LEVEL OF SOCIAL UTILITY OF REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN TURKEY FOR THE POPULATION AGED 60 YEARS AND OVER
Murat ÇİFTÇİ
Ä°stanbul Ãœniversitesi, BAP Birimi Ä°STANBUL Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of social utility of distribution of intercity healthcare services in Turkey for people aged 60 years and over.

Materials and Method: Atkinson indices were used in the study. Statistical data of TUIK was used for the application.

Results: The index coefficients revealed an imbalance in the regional distribution of healthcare providers for the elderly population, and a substantial loss of social utility for the elderly. According to the unweighted average values calculated for people aged 60 years and over, the levels of social utility of specialized physicians, medical doctors, doctors from all specialties, bed supplies, nurses, healthcare providers, pharmacists and dentists were found to be 57.2, 77.9, 72.5, 81.4, 89.9, 86.3, 74.9 and 52.3% respectively.

Conclusion: There is a substantial loss in social utility of health services in Turkey. Especially the inequalities in the intercity distribution of dentists and specialized pshycians is at an unacceptable level. Keywords : Atkinson indices; Delivery of health care; Health services for the aged; Public policy