Towards green governance and real economy development: how digital technology affects health human resource allocation?

The adoption and integration of digital technology have profoundly reshaped societal and environmental governance within the healthcare sector. This study aims to explore the influence of digital technology development on the allocation of healthcare human resources, intending to contribute to the net-zero carbon process. Utilizing panel data from 30 provinces and cities across mainland China during the period 2011 to 2020, we computed three unique indices for health resource density. Employing the spatial Durbin model, our analysis unveiled a gradual augmentation in the overall level of healthcare human resource allocation in China due to the spatial impact of digital technology development. Robustness tests substantiated a noteworthy positive spatial spillover effect of digital technology, contributing to the augmentation of healthcare human resource allocation at the regional level. Heterogeneity results revealed a notably more pronounced promotional effect in the eastern region, contrasting with the central and western regions. From the perspective of sustainable development, the development of digital technology can contribute to the advancement of environmentally friendly healthcare by optimizing the allocation of healthcare human resources. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights for China to formulate effective policies for healthcare human resource allocation, contributing to the attainment of sustainable development goals.