Investigating Inequalities in Access to Hospital Medical Facilities Using Geographical Information System in Kermanshah\'s Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Background: Improper distribution of medical care creates access inequality to the services in developing countries. This study aimed at investigating inequalities in access to medical facilities in Kermanshahchr('39')s Metropolitan Area. Materials and Methods: The study was an applied and descriptive – analytical one. Due to the spatiotemporal nature of current research, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used. Research data was included hospital addresses and demographic data from statistical blocks of Kermanshah based on Iran’s 2011 census report. Results: The study results represented that spatial distribution of hospitals was concerned on a random pattern in metropolitan of Kermanshah and there was not a special mechanism in hospitalschr('39') spatial distribution. In total, Kermanshah city has 13 hospitals with 2342 hospital bed till 2014 which the most of them were related to general hospitals. In existing situation, the statistics revealed that only 48.51% of population has covered by hospitals and 51.49% of households have no standard access. The number of existing hospitals cannot response to the citizenchr('39')s needs.In this study; current location of the most hospitals was not compatible with scientific criteria; standards and usage requirement. Conclusion: It is concluded that all residents had not equal access to hospitals; and also their distribution was not proportionate with population distribution and households. There is inequality in access to medical facilities focused on hospitals of Kermanshahchr('39')s Metropolitan Area. Keywords: Inequalities, Management, Health, Accessibility, Hospital, Geographical Information System

Keywords

• inequalities
• management
• health
• accessibility
• hospital
• geographical information system