AN ASSESSMENT OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND ITS DISTRIBUTION IN MAIDUGURI AND ENVIRONS
Abstract
The study examines the distribution of healthcare facilities in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria, highlighting challenges in accessibility and equity due to factors such as insurgency, population displacement, and limited resources. It reveals a concentration of healthcare services in central Maiduguri, creating disparities in access for surrounding rural and conflict-affected areas. The research underscores the role of non-governmental organizations in supplementing healthcare, especially in underserved areas, and identifies areas with high population-to-facility ratios that signal critical service shortages. By utilizing spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study maps facility locations, illustrating the uneven distribution of healthcare access across Maiduguri. The research showed that the six categories of healthcare facilities which are mobile clinic (NGOs-supported), specialized clinics, private clinics, primary, secondary and tertiary were found in the study area. It was observed that infrastructure in underserved areas, deploying mobile clinics, strengthening referral systems, and enhancing collaboration with NGOs to bridge service gaps. The study calls for more balanced allocation policies to ensure equitable healthcare distribution across both urban and rural areas, aiming to improve overall health outcomes and access in Maiduguri and its environs.
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