Applying Shannon Entropy to Analise Health System Level by departments in Peru

The departments of Peru have different conditions regarding to the health system. In this work, we analyse the health system level in Peru by applying the entropy-weight method, which is a approach based on Shannon’s entropy theory; in order to obtain a ranking that indicates the level of health system by departments. The entropy-weight method was applied to calculate the weights of the criteria; and then, the departments studied were classified according to the results of a weighted sum. The selection criteria established in this study were the number of hospitals (C1), specialized health institutes (C2), health centres (C3), health posts (C4), inhabitants per doctor (C5), and the population of each department (C6). This method has an advantage, since different criteria can be used, whether they are direct or indirect, regarding to the object of study. The results of this study, which are presented by an informative map, could contribute to make the best decision, in order to improve the health system, in favour of the population.