Objective To comparatively analyze the disparities in informatization construction between primary healthcare institu-tions in remote and non-remote areas,clarify the causes and manifestations of regional digital divides,and provide empirical evidence for optimizing resource allocation in remote areas and promoting health equity.The study also offers policy insights for advancing the"Internet+Healthcare"strategy based on local conditions.Methods A stratified sampling survey was conducted among 1 255 primary healthcare institutions in Sichuan Province to systematically compare informatization construction differences between remote and non-remote areas.Results Compared with non-remote areas,remote areas exhibited significant gaps in the coverage of informa-tization infrastructure and the construction of core system integration platforms.Remote areas also had higher absence rates of clinical service systems and notable disparities in institutional informatization investment and the allocation of dedicated IT person-nel.However,remote areas demonstrated strengths in the deployment of health terminals(e.g.,integrated health devices,smart follow-up kits,and wearable devices)and the construction of systems for infection control/communicable disease management and patient follow-up management.Conclusion Regional digital divides are primarily constrained by three factors:fiscal invest-ment,talent reserves,and technical adaptability.A differentiated policy support system is needed to address these challenges.

Objective To comparatively analyze the disparities in informatization construction between primary healthcare institu-tions in remote and non-remote areas,clarify the causes and manifestations of regional digital divides,and provide empirical evidence for optimizing resource allocation in remote areas and promoting health equity.The study also offers policy insights for advancing the"Internet+Healthcare"strategy based on local conditions.Methods A stratified sampling survey was conducted among 1 255 primary healthcare institutions in Sichuan Province to systematically compare informatization construction differences between remote and non-remote areas.Results Compared with non-remote areas,remote areas exhibited significant gaps in the coverage of informa-tization infrastructure and the construction of core system integration platforms.Remote areas also had higher absence rates of clinical service systems and notable disparities in institutional informatization investment and the allocation of dedicated IT person-nel.However,remote areas demonstrated strengths in the deployment of health terminals(e.g.,integrated health devices,smart follow-up kits,and wearable devices)and the construction of systems for infection control/communicable disease management and patient follow-up management.Conclusion Regional digital divides are primarily constrained by three factors:fiscal invest-ment,talent reserves,and technical adaptability.A differentiated policy support system is needed to address these challenges.