Abstract:
This study examine thespatial distribution of Primary Healthcare Facilities within Abi LGA
using Geographic Information System (GIS) approach. The study used the field survey and
survey research design to acquire geometric and attribute data respectively. Geometric data
(coordinates of healthcare facilities) were acquired using handheld GPS (Gammin 76 CSX hand
held GPS recorder)andArcGIS 9.3, Geocal for coordinate conversion, Micro software 2013,
Microsoft Excel 2010, attribute data (staff strength), hardcopy of administrative map of Abi
LGA, population figure and overview information of the study area were also sourced. The
results revealed that location of health facilities satisfy the National Health Policy on Primary
Healthcare. However, these healthcare facilities lack the needed equipment and manpower to
function effectively. Bias in the distributions of healthcare facilities (Ebom/Ebijakara ward with
34,709 population has three (3) health facilities, while Adadama ward with 17,409 population
has six (6) health facilities-2006 census figure projected to 2018). It was recommended that
among other things, the state government should retrain and redeploy staff to manned facilities
as well as equipped these facilities. |
