A Spatial Perspective to the Distribution of Healthcare Facilities and Health Personnel in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Background: A major factor for health services provision in various communities is the concern for spatial justice in the distribution of healthcare facilities. The eastern region with most of its population in rural areas has been subject to frequent increases in the number of administrative districts over time. This however has not correspondingly followed with a significant increase in the number of health facilities and health personnel in the region, a phenomenon that has disturbed the distribution of health facilities and personnel, thus the purpose of this study to investigate the spatial pattern in the distribution of health facilities and health personnel. Methods: Data on the global positioning system of each health facility and the total number of health workers were factored with the population in the administrative districts of the eastern region as part of analysis to investigate the distribution of health facilities and health personnel per population of each district and the Region. Results: Health facilities and health personnel were unevenly distributed, recently added districts such as Kwahu Afram Plains South, Ayensuano, Upper West Akim along with existing ones such as Birim South, Kwahu West, Akyem Mansa, and Kwahu East all lacked in terms of health facilities and health personnel. Conclusions: This observed deficiency in distribution of health facilities and health personnel has the potential to generate productivity inequalities among residents of the Eastern Region which in turn has a negative effect on the entire development of the region. Areas that were identified as disadvantaged districts should be considered for various intervention strategies.