To investigate the coupling and coordinated development between primary medical service capacity and regional economic growth in the Yangtze River Delta, providing a foundation for promoting their harmonious advancement. This study evaluated the coupling and coordination relationship between primary medical service capacity and regional economic development in the Yangtze River Delta from 2015 to 2022 using the TOPSIS entropy method, a comprehensive evaluation function, the coupling coordination degree model, and obstacle factor analysis. From 2015 to 2022, the comprehensive score for primary medical service capacity increased from 0.231 to 0.494, while the regional economic development score rose from 0.163 to 0.297. The average coupling degree between the two systems remained stable at over 0.9. The average coupling coordination degree grew from 0.423 to 0.592, transitioning from imbalance to reluctant coordination. Obstacle factor analysis identified health resources and economic structure as primary barriers, with the number of medical institutions and the primary industry’s added value being the most significant factors. Regional economic development in the Yangtze River Delta currently lags behind primary medical service capacity, though their coupling coordination shows a consistent upward trend toward harmonious development. To address existing barriers, we recommend deepening the integrated development strategy, strengthening medical cooperation, and leveraging local characteristics to overcome bottlenecks.
Xu et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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