Distribution of Selected Health Technology in Regions of Slovakia

Abstract

The health system's performance consists of three components: efficiency, availability, and resilience. These three economic categories are also influenced by the distribution of medical devices and equipment, both by the quality of satisfaction of medical needs, by geographical availability and by the cost - the degree of financial burden on the health system. However, only few research studies deal with the issue of regional disparities in the use of selected medical technology. The aim of presented study is to map the distribution of the magnetic resonance imaging scans in Slovak republic within the timespan 2008-2017 on NUTS 3, respectively NUTS 4 level. Correspondence analysis shows hidden associations between the analysed variables. Our results show that magnetic resonance imaging scans are highly concentrated in two big cities. Generally, the number of magnetic resonance imaging scans has increased over time from 0.6 scans per 100 000 habitants in 2008 to approximately 0.94 scans per 100 000 habitants in 2017.