Measurement and Temporal Evolution Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Healthcare Resource Allocation Efficiency in Chongqing

Abstract

This paper uses panel data from 2016 to 2021 on the allocation efficiency of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) healthcare resources in Chongqing, applying the DEA-Malmquist index model to comprehensively measure the allocation efficiency of TCM healthcare resources in 38 districts and counties of Chongqing. The paper aims to reveal the temporal changes and spatial differences in efficiency, and further analyze the factors influencing the efficiency of TCM healthcare resource allocation through the decomposition of total factor productivity (TFP). The study finds that from 2016 to 2021, the efficiency of TCM healthcare resources in Chongqing has shown an overall downward trend, and effective allocation has not been achieved. In terms of spatial distribution, significant differences in the efficiency of TCM healthcare resources exist across districts and counties. High-efficiency areas are mainly concentrated in certain regions of the central urban area and the southeastern part of Chongqing, while areas of medium efficiency are primarily distributed in the western part of Chongqing. Low-efficiency areas are mainly found in certain districts in the northeastern part of Chongqing. The allocation of TCM healthcare resources is uneven. The analysis of total factor productivity further indicates that technical efficiency and scale efficiency are key constraints on improving the overall efficiency of TCM healthcare resources. Regarding the spatial evolution of TFP, the central urban area maintains a relatively high and stable efficiency level, the western region shows relative stability, while the northeastern part of Chongqing experiences greater fluctuation in efficiency, and the southeastern part demonstrates a gradual improvement trend. The study suggests strengthening the development of specialty departments and talent cultivation, enhancing district and county collaboration to promote the balanced distribution of TCM healthcare resources, and innovating management models to improve the development level of Chongqing's characteristic TCM.