Measuring the efficiency of Turkish maternal and child health hospitals: A two-stage data envelopment analysis

This study aims to examine the changes in efficiency and efficiency levels of the maternal and child health hospitals in Turkey from 2014 to 2017, by applying two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA). At the first stage of the study, the efficiency of the hospitals was evaluated with input-oriented CCR (Charnes, Cooper, Rhodes) and Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI). At the second stage, panel Tobit regression analysis was utilized to find out the factors that affect the efficiency scores specified at the first stage. According to the results of the first stage, the mean efficiency values calculated for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 were 0.83, 0.90, 0.86, and 0.80, respectively. At the second stage, it was revealed that the variables of not being in a metropolis and having 200 beds at least had statistically a significant effect on the efficiency score (p 0.05). The number of the studies which assess the efficiency of maternal and child health hospitals in Turkey was quite limited. Moreover, such studies do not contain second-stage analyses. Lastly, it is thought that those results will provide health policy-makers substantial and evidence-based information in the allocation of the resources for the related services. •Resource utilization becomes more important for maternal and child health (MCH), considering the higher birth rates.•Majority of MCH services are given by public health facilities in developing countries like Turkey.•We analyze the efficiency levels of the MCH hospitals by applying two-stage DEA.•Not being in a metropolis and having 200 beds at least had statistically a significant effect on the efficiency score.•The study will provide health politicians evidence-based information in allocation of the resources.