Geospatial Location Based Study for Establishment of New Public Health Centers: A Case of Adama City, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study focuses on establishing adequate public healthcare centers to reduce disease spread and untimely death of human lives in Adama City, Ethiopia. There is considerable evidence, owing to poor geographical accessibility, the primary healthcare facility is not reaching the majority of the population in developing nations. This case study has been carried out to identify and prioritize the suitable areas to develop healthcare centers using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Thematic maps and ancillary data are used to analyze location-allocation analysis in ArcGIS-10.4. Required field data was collected using GPS in Adama, Oromia, Ethiopia, and required supporting data from the Municipality of the City. The density of population is the significant input in calculating the standards for services-based location-allocation. Therefore, road networks, existing healthcare facilities, and population density are the critical parameters considered to identify the new healthcare centers to be established to cater to the people's needs. In addition, land use/cover classes and settlement location, proximity to the existing healthcare centers are also considered in GIS analysis for better results. The study identified eight suitable sites to develop healthcare centers in the city. Therefore, the government can utilize the recommendations for infrastructure development planning to improve healthcare facilities based on the accessibility.