Spatial inequity in access to healthcare facilities at a county level in a developing country: a case study of Deqing County, Zhejiang, China

• DOI: 10.1186/s12939-015-0195-6
• Publication Date: 2015-08-18T08:18:57Z
• Authors: Cheng Jin; Jianquan Cheng; Yuqi Lu; Zhenfang Huang; Fangdong Cao
• Keywords: Health Services Research; Health administration

The inequities in healthcare services between regions, urban and rural, age groups diverse income have been growing rapidly China. Equal access to basic medical has recognized as "a right of the people" by Chinese government. Spatial accessibility facilities received huge attention case studies but less studied particularly at a county level due limited availability high-resolution spatial data. This study is focused on measuring Deqing County. inequity (town) rural assessed three scenarios are designed built examine which scenario instrumental for better reducing inequity.This utilizes highway network data, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), location hospitals clinics, 2010 census data finest - village committee, residential building footprint height. Areal weighting method used disaggregate population from committee cell level. Least cost path analysis applied calculate travel time each its closest facility. Then an integral will be calculated through facility levels. town areas examined based coverages populations. same compare aimed such relocation hospitals, updates values, combination both.50.03% residents can reach hospital within 15 min driving, 95.77% 100% 30 60 respectively. 55.14% 5 min, 98.04% 57.86% clinic 92.65% 99.22% 10 min. After three-level facilities, 30.87% 80.46%% 99.88% respectively.The pattern County exhibited areas, with best capital poorest West county. There high negative correlation ageing accessibility. Allocation more advanced equipment highly skillful doctors nurses clinics efficient means further consolidating national security system. GIS (Geographical Information Systems) methods proven successful providing quantitative evidence policy although sets could improved.