Number of hospital beds : population estimate, installed capacity and performed in two mesoregions of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2015

Abstract

Introduction: Planning health resources in a continental country like Brazil demands adapting the structures to different regions and their needs. Objective: To compare the installed hospital structure (number of existing beds) with the health care parameters proposed by the Brazilian national health system (estimated beds) and the beds per activity performed in two mesoregions of the state of Rio de Janeiro in 2015. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis with data obtained from the information systems of the Brazilian national health system. Results: An excess of hospital beds was identified (208.9% of the ideal average, per activity performed), low occupancy rates (24.2% below the ideal average) and irregular distribution between the mesoregions. Conclusions: The unequal division of resources unrelated to population demands results in higher health care costs and undermines the universality of access and integrality of the care.