Human resources and healthcare infrastructure in Peru: A cross-sectional analysis from 2018 to 2024

BackgroundThe healthcare challenges from 2018 to 2024 in Peru focused on resource distribution, infrastructure gaps, and the impact of public policies on equity. ObjectiveTo describe the variations in the spatial distribution of healthcare professionals and available infrastructure in Peru between 2018 and 2024. MethodOur design is observational. The Electronic Information Transfer System of Health Service Provider Institutions (IPRESS) and IPRESS Management Units (SETI-IPRESS) database was used between 2018 and 2024. Our study conducted a spatial visual analysis and a multiple linear regression mode ResultsOur study reveals an increase in IPRESS reporting data to SETI IPRESS in Peru, resulting in an increase in reported coverage from 2,255 institutions in 2018 to 3,560 in 2024. Additionally, significant growth has been identified in the average number of total clinics, beds, psychologists, medical technologists, obstetricians, pharmacists, and assistants available within IPRESS between 2018 and 2024. However, the average number of nurses and dentists decreased. Furthermore, a concentration of medical resources and infrastructure is observed in specific geographical areas, such as the departments of Lima and Lambayeque. ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of health policies and strategies that could increase the number of care centers and improve the quality and equity in the distribution of health resources throughout Peru.