China entered an aging society in 1999, characterized by rapid growth rate, large population base, and the distinctive pattern of "aging before affluence". The intensifying aging trend poses significant challenges to the pension system, making the implementation of elderly health management a scientifically sound response strategy. As gatekeepers of primary healthcare, general practitioners play a pivotal role in advancing elderly health management and implementing the "comprehensive health management" philosophy, serving as the primary force in addressing aging-related challenges.

This study investigated the dynamic geographical distribution and equity disparities in the allocation of geriatric general practitioner human resources across China from 2012 to 2021, while analyzing the influencing factors of human resource allocation levels. The findings aim to provide evidence-based references for policymakers to formulate scientific human resource allocation strategies for elderly healthcare services.

This study collected relevant data from the China Statistical Yearbook and China Health Statistics Yearbook spanning 2013 to 2022. By calculating the changing trends of Gini coefficients and Theil indices based on the total and elderly population distributions, we assessed the equity in human resource allocation of geriatric general practitioners. Furthermore, a two-way fixed effects panel model was constructed to examine the province-level allocation of general practice human resources across various regions.

During the period from 2012 to 2021, the total number of general practitioners in China increased by 325 074, with all provinces demonstrating varying degrees of growth in their general practitioner workforce. The number of general practitioners per 10 000 elderly population reached 21.66, while the Gini coefficient decreased from 0.38 to 0.33. Both the overall Theil index and its inter-group and intra-group components exhibited declining trends. The results of the panel two-way fixed effects model analysis revealed that among healthcare resources: the number of nurses exerted a significant negative effect, whereas bed capacity and licensed physicians demonstrated significant positive effects on resource allocation. Population size and aging rate showed positive associations with resource distribution. Road density exhibited a negative impact on resource allocation. However, economic development level, educational indicators, and outpatient service volume did not exhibit statistically significant effects.

From 2012 to 2021, China witnessed sustained development in the allocation of human resources for geriatric general practitioners, accompanied by progressive improvements in equity. Given this trend, policymakers should holistically consider multiple factors—including population aging rates—when formulating workforce allocation strategies for general practitioners, to achieve more scientifically grounded and rational resource distribution.