Desarrollo de los Territorios a través de la eficiencia del sector salud: Caso de estudio en la ciudad de San Gabriel, Provincia del Carchi del año 2023

Abstract

Abstract: The focus of this study is oriented towards the analysis of the relationship between the efficiency of the health sector and socioeconomic development in San Gabriel, Carchi Province, during the years 2022 and 2023, with data envelopment analysis (DEA), supported by a mixed-approach research, initially the current situation of efficiency and socioeconomic development of the health sector in the referred area was diagnosed, then the levels of efficiency in management were established, to then determine the correlation between the study variables. This dynamic was developed in five health entities in the public and private sectors, the analysis variables being relative efficiency in terms of infrastructure, human resources and quality of service. The findings reveal that efficiency in the management of health resources is crucial to improve the quality of life and promote economic growth. Institutions with better management and optimization of resources, such as the San Gabriel Clinic, which belongs to the private health system, demonstrated higher levels of efficiency, suggesting that adequate management can overcome budgetary limitations. The positive correlation between investment in health infrastructure and improvements in health indicators, such as immunization rates and access to safe drinking water, reinforces the need to continue these investments. The results underline the importance of health policies that promote equitable access and continuous training of personnel to maximize positive impact on the community. This study highlights how the efficiency of the health sector can act as a significant driver for sustainable socioeconomic development.