Spatial Justice and Accessibility Efficiency of Public Health Services in the Municipalities of Al-Zawiya in Light of Population Growth An Applied Study Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate spatial equity and accessibility efficiency of public health services in the municipalities of Az-Zawiya by re-examining the population data, health-facility data, and analytical maps presented in the original study. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship between population growth and the spatial distribution of primary healthcare units, hospitals, and polyclinics.

The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, supported by spatial analysis indicators based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly geographic distribution maps, population density maps, service catchment areas, and general spatial distribution trends.

The data indicate that the population of the study area reached approximately 404,641 inhabitants in 2024, unevenly distributed among Az-Zawiya Central, Az-Zawiya West, and Nasser. According to 2025 data, public health facilities comprised five hospitals, three polyclinics, one medical center, forty primary healthcare units, and five laboratories.

A comparison between population distribution and health facilities, together with the spatial maps, reveals a clear concentration of health services in the northern and central parts of the study area, while significant spatial gaps remain in the southern and peripheral areas. This indicates that operational efficiency in areas of service concentration does not necessarily ensure equitable access across the entire study region.

The study concludes that redistributing certain health services, expanding the functions of primary healthcare units, and linking the establishment of new facilities to population density, road networks, and service catchment areas could enhance the efficiency of the healthcare system and reduce spatial disparities among population settlements.