Geospatial Dynamics and Locational Distribution of Medical Care Facilities in Ado-Ekiti: Implications for Urban Health Accessibility and Planning
- Joseph Damilola Falade
- DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18046534
- ISA Journal of Medical Sciences (ISAJMS)
The spatial distribution of medical care facilities is a critical determinant of health service accessibility in rapidly urbanizing areas. This study examines the geospatial dynamics and locational distribution of medical care facilities in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, with a view to evaluating their implications for urban health accessibility and planning. Employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques, data were collected from satellite imagery, health facility registries, and field surveys. The facilities were mapped and analyzed using spatial analytical tools such as Nearest Neighbour Analysis and Kernel Density Estimation to determine clustering patterns and spatial equity. The findings reveal a high concentration of medical care facilities in the central urban core of Ado-Ekiti, with significant service gaps in peripheral and newly developing areas. This uneven distribution reflects socio-economic disparities and inadequate integration of geospatial data in urban planning processes. The study underscores the need for a data-driven approach to health facility planning, advocating for decentralized location strategies and improved spatial equity to enhance urban health outcomes. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and urban planners in the pursuit of equitable and sustainable healthcare access across Ado-Ekiti.
