An equity-based spatial analytics framework for evaluating pharmacy accessibility using geographical information systems

Abstract

Healthcare services have a significant impact on socioeconomic and health development globally. In Oman, rapid development since the 1970s has led to a focus on the equitable distribution of public services. This research aims to evaluate the spatial accessibility and distribution of pharmacies in Muscat Governorate, Oman, using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques. The primary objective is to measure the equity in the spatial distribution of pharmacies within Muscat Governorate. The study utilizes spatial datasets, including administrative areas, pharmacy locations, settlement locations, transportation networks, and non-spatial datasets such as demographic data. The methodology involves spatial distribution analysis using Average Nearest Neighbor (ANN), Moran's I for spatial autocorrelation, Kernel Density Analysis (KDA), Thiessen polygons for catchment areas, and Network analysis for determining service areas and accessibility by walking and driving distances. Findings indicate a clustered distribution of pharmacies, with higher concentrations in densely populated northern Wilayats like Muttrah, AS Seeb, and Bawshar. Muttrah exhibits the highest accessibility, with 99 % coverage within a 2.5 km radius, whereas Muscat Wilaya lacks pharmacy services entirely. These findings highlight significant disparities in the spatial distribution of pharmacies, underscoring the need for policy interventions to ensure equitable access. Policymakers should consider geographic and demographic factors in health service planning to ensure fair distribution and accessibility across the governorate. Implementing these recommendations can help improve healthcare access and equity in Muscat, contributing to overall social and health development.