Access to Healthcare Facilities and Women’s Healthcare Requirements in Urban Areas: A Case Study of Beijing

Abstract

Access to healthcare facilities is an essential measure of the urban development of contemporary cities. Governments often budget huge sums to fulfill the healthcare demands of the population, however neglect to address requirements specific to women. This paper assesses the density, spatial distribution, and services of healthcare facilities to identify care requirements specific to women, and how their needs are—or could be—met. The analysis addresses the research question: What strategies will improve women’s access to healthcare and satisfy their healthcare requirements? Methods include a case study in the Yuetan Area of Beijing, field investigation, mapping, and questionnaires. The survey was carried out in November 2021 and January 2022 and involved 462 women residents in the Yuetan Area. Results indicate: (i) that, despite the total number of facilities meeting the standards recommended by the WHO, the spatial distribution of healthcare facilities is imbalanced; (ii) women’s healthcare encompasses both physical and psychological health. Optimizing accessibility to healthcare facilities can positively impact women’s health and well-being. Conclusions include insights regarding the relationship between access to healthcare facilities women’s healthcare requirements, as well as proposing strategies for improved healthcare facilities with a focus on an equitable and sympathetic society.