Integrating Healthcare Infrastructure Network: Application in the Context of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

This research investigated obstacles to the integration of services in a regional healthcare system, principled in providing care to a region’s citizens as best as possible. Our method includes a di- agnosis that evaluates the patients’ displacement to the nearest health facilities, and an estimation of the location and costs of new units to improve geographical accessibility in each of the three healthcare levels. We applied it to the context of Minas Gerais, the second most populous state in Brazil. Our results show that an investment of US$ 2.1 billion is required to virtually eliminate healthcare deserts on primary, secondary, and tertiary care. This investment avoids US$ 1.3 billion spent by at least 6.8 million individuals (30% of the population) who have to travel to reach far care units. Using regressions to verify determinants of healthcare deserts, we found that municipalities with lower GDP, lower health expenditures or more distant from the capital have a higher portion of the population poorly served (in terms of distance) in secondary and tertiary care. Our work contributes to public policies and strategic planning regarding service integration and transportation.