[Chronological analysis of disparities in numbers of ordinary hospital beds and x-ray computed tomography scanners among secondary medical care sectors].

Objective: In this study, we aimed at examining how disparities in selected medical care resources across secondary medical care sectors (SMCSs) changed over a twelve-year period following the introduction of the Medical Care Plan.

Methods: Changes in all SMCS boundaries prior to 2002 were identified from data published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and prefectural governments. The per capita numbers of ordinary hospital beds and X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanners in hospitals were chosen as indicators of medical care resources, representing respectively mandatory and nonmandatory components of the Medical Care Plan.