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.
