Iranian Journal of

Background and Objectives: Efficiency measurement can be used for all decision-makers and planners for useful resource allocation. Social Security Organization as a health service provider, provides part of health care services in indirect sector. This study aimed to assess the performance of provincial units of Social Security Organization in the indirect health services sector.

Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted based on the available data of Social Security Organization in 2014. To assess efficiency and super-efficiency, the DEA-VRS and Anderson-Peterson rating model were used, respectively. Factors affecting the efficiency was evaluated using multivariate regression.

Results: The primary efficacy analysis showed that 61% of the provincial units of Social Security had maximum efficiency. Average efficiency was 0.94. After super-efficiency analysis, it was found that Markazi and Kerman provincial units were the most efficient and the most inefficient units, respectively. Additionally, none of the variables had a significant impact on the efficiency.

Conclusion: Evaluation of the general performance of provincial units reflected the good state of technical efficiency in the indirect health service sector. On the other hand, the scale efficiency of inefficient units compared with managerial efficiency had a higher share of inefficiency. Optimum performance can be achieved through modification of managerial practices for optimal utilization of resources and factors.