Locating Sanitary- Therapeutic centers using geographic information system (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) (Case study: Najaf Abad city)

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years spatial justice has gained special importance among planners and geographers. Since the urban public services form the structure, shape and the nature of the physical, social and urban space, Inequities in their distribution cause irreversible negative effects on the structure and the nature of city and social segregation of the people, and serious challenges in the city and urban management. Methods: Accordingly, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the spatial distribution of Therapeutic centers and to identify the underserved areas regarding these Services in the Najaf Abad city using the localization standards and criteria of these services. To this end, we used the geographical information system (GIS), model Overlap index (IO) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). By providing a comprehensive database of spatial distribution of medical centers’ in Najaf Abad we analyzed theses centers accessibility from all areas of the city and by taking the poor access of some areas to these services and considering other urban factors that influence localization we Provided a working model, in an attempt to look for the optimal spatial distribution pattern of Therapeutic centers in Najaf Abad using geographic information system (GIS). Results: This was a descriptive analytical study and the results showed that given the performance Radius of 1000, 1500 and 2000, meter for the existing hospitals, some parts of the city were not within the Standard service area of the three available ones. Therefore, given the current situation, the establishment of new hospitals in the areas mentioned above, seems to be necessary. Also, given the service radius of 500 to 1000 meters for Sanitary- Therapeutic centers, Southern areas of the city were outside the performance Radius of such centers. Therefore, given the current status, establishment of new Sanitary - Therapeutic centers seems to be necessary. Conclusion: The amount and distribution utilities can play an effective role in spatial displacement of population and demographic changes. Since one of the criteria for sustainable urban development and social justice, according to a balanced distribution of urban facilities and services, The distribution of urban services, especially health services should be established in such a way that the space justice. Keywords: Geographic Information Systems; Health Services; Iran.