Spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of human resources for health in traditional Chinese medicine in China

The uneven distribution of human resources for health (HRH) in China, particularly within the realm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has long posed a significant challenge. Although prior studies have examined regional disparities in overall HRH, limited research has specifically addressed the spatial and temporal dynamics of HRH in TCM and their underlying determinants. This study employs a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model to explore the spatial and temporal dynamics of HRH in TCM across 31 Chinese provinces from 2008 to 2021. MGWR allows each explanatory variable to operate at its optimal spatial scale, capturing localized patterns of spatial heterogeneity. The results reveal that although HRH in TCM has generally increased over time, substantial disparities persist, with eastern and central regions exhibiting a higher degree of resource agglomeration while western regions continue to lag behind. Economic factors such as wage income, the number of TCM institutions, and education funding emerge as the most significant and spatially heterogeneous determinants. These localized effects suggest that region-specific policy interventions are needed—such as financial incentives and infrastructure support for underserved western regions, and institutional integration and quality standardization in eastern areas—reflecting the differentiated roles and development contexts of TCM across regions. By leveraging the advantages of MGWR in capturing multiscale spatial patterns, this study provides empirical evidence to support more targeted and sustainable planning for HRH in TCM development. Enhancing the accessibility of TCM services not only addresses current regional imbalances but also strengthens the healthcare system’s capacity to respond to the needs of an aging population and future public health emergencies. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to improve health equity in China and may inform similar efforts in other countries facing spatial disparities in traditional medicine resources.

© The Author(s) 2025.