Exploring Healthcare Disparities in Palakkad, Kerala: Geospatial Insights for Sustainable Development
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Abstract
Healthcare disparity remains a pressing concern in developing nations, exerting significant strain on local communities, especially those in rural and underprivileged areas. This challenge impedes the ability of these populations to uphold a satisfactory quality of life and hinders their access to healthcare on an equitable basis. This study delves into the healthcare service disparities across various blocks of Palakkad, the largest and one of the most economically challenged districts in Kerala's health sector. The spatial variation of people living with health care facility is in complex nature with in the district due to its multidimensionality and identifying that facilitates location specific strategic planning in health services. Hence statistical analysis was used to compute composite multi scores using two different methods such as index-based composite disparity assessment and Principal component Analysis based composite disparity assessment. GIS maps are also being used to explore the problem area identification. The results revealed that Ottapalam and Attapadi were the blocks with high developments in health care facility and blocks with medium health care development were Sreekrishnapuram, Thrithala, Kollengode, Kuzhalmannam, Palakkad and Chittur. Blocks with low levels of health care facility development were noticed in Mannarkkad, and Malampuzha, Nenmara, Patambi and Alathur. This study sheds light on the spatial disparity, inadequate availability and affordability of healthcare services in Palakkad's blocks. This research emphasizes on the need for improvements to align with basic-needs approach as envisaged in 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. Significant positive transitions in health system are needed in weaker areas to make it better resilient and prepared to handle health threats in the future.
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