Sharifzadegan1 M, Mamdohi M, Lavi M. (2010). A P- median-model-based Analysis of Spatial Inequality in Accessibility to Public Health Care Intended for Urban Health Development in Isfahan City.
refahj.
10(37), 265-285.
URL:
http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-318-en.html
Abstract: (11227 Views)
Health care is considered a universal human right greatly emphasized in social
welfare development in most countries. In this regard, public health care with its
pervasive effects on the general level of communities' health is a top priority
drawing the attention of planners and decision-makers a like. Unequal and
inharmonious distribution of such services leads to unequal accessibility caused
either by inappropriate spatial distribution of health care centers or by
insufficient human resources vis-a-vis the increasing demand for such services.
This article tackles two causal factors, i.e., optimizing accessibility to public
health care using a p-median model, and implementing the model in district 10 in
Isfahan municipality as a case study. In the proposed model for location, various
scenarios have been devised in proportion to allocated budgets. The results were
subsequently compared and analyzed. The conclusions of this article may be
incorporated in decision making as to spatially provided PHC for urban health
development and utilized as a backup system for such decisions, so that prier to
the implementation of projects designed for relevant facilities, the effects and
characteristics of every alternative are analyzed from different angles and
consequently proper decision is made with regard to limitations such us budget
restriction. As a corollary, the choice to be made with regard to various scenarios
is highly dependant on the spatial characteristics of the city especially on the
budget allocated, and no scenario is per se absolutely preferable regardless of the
needs and limitations of any given situation.
Type of Study:
orginal |
Received: 2011/04/11 | Published: 2010/07/15