Spatial inequality in the accessibility of healthcare services in the Philippines

Abstract

Ensuring equitable access to healthcare is important for universal health coverage (UHC). Using the enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) method, we found disparities in the spatial accessibility of outpatient and inpatient healthcare facilities in the Philippines, particularly in the central and southern regions of the country. Municipalities with a higher proportion of older people had better spatial accessibility to outpatient care, while municipalities with a higher density of older people had better accessibility to inpatient care. Municipalities with high poverty rates had better accessibility to outpatient care but poorer accessibility to inpatient care. Addressing these disparities is essential for achieving UHC in the Philippines.