Optimizing the distribution of healthcare facilities to improve Primary Healthcare Coverage for the urban poor in Dhaka, Bangladesh: a GIS study
Abstract
Background Bangladesh, like many other rapidly urbanizing developing countries, is facing a primary health care (PHC) crisis in urban areas; the urban poor suffer most from the dearth of accessible PHC. GIS techniques are... [ view full abstract ]
Background
Bangladesh, like many other rapidly urbanizing developing countries, is facing a primary health care (PHC) crisis in urban areas; the urban poor suffer most from the dearth of accessible PHC. GIS techniques are being increasingly applied to support planning and decision making around the rational allocation of health services globally. However, in Bangladesh its potential is underutilized for lack of technical expertise and necessary georeferenced data.
Objectives
To demonstrate the potential of GIS techniques in helping achieve optimal PHC service coverage for urban poor populations in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Method
Three GPS tagged datasets were used- health facility listings, poor population clusters, and road networks. Target coverage was defined as having at least 1 clinic per 50,000 population and estimated by weighing demand and supply of health services using 1km threshold distance. GIS optimization techniques were then used to relocate the existing clinics to maximize coverage for all poor urban settlements. Finally, by simulation we calculated the number and location of additional resources required to achieve the target coverage for each poor population cluster.
Results
GIS optimization was successful in increasing the proportion of slums having above-target coverage of PHC services during working hours (8am-5pm) from 47% to 86%, while those below the target were reduced from 42% to 8%. The simulation also permitted the calculation of additional facilities needed and their location
Conclusion/implication
Improved PHC coverage for the urban poor can be achieved through judicious planning of existing resources. GIS analyses of spatial data have the potential to assist decision makers in this regard, allowing a variety of flexible optimization tools including capping facility capacity and minimizing travelling distance.
Authors
-
Rubana Islam
(icddrb)
-
Rocco Panciera
(International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b))
-
Shakil Ahmed
(International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B))
-
Alayne Adams
(International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b))
Topic Area
V. Healthcare Service 5.1 Accessibility of healthcare services and its optimization 5.2 He
Session
SPH-UH-01F » Spatializing Urban Health (10:00 - Friday, 1st April, TBA)
Paper
PHC_simulation_ICUH_2016-Submitted.docx
Presentation Files
The presenter has not uploaded any presentation files.