Analysis of Healthcare Facility Accessibility in the Municipality of Bujanovac

Abstract

Introduction: Accessibility of healthcare facilities is a key indicator of the functionality of the public health system, and its spatial assessment enables informed decision-making in planning the healthcare network. The municipality of Bujanovac, as a border and predominantly rural area in southern Serbia, faces significant infrastructural and demographic challenges that may affect the quality and availability of healthcare services.

 Aim: The aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the spatial accessibility of healthcare facilities within the municipality using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methods, to identify critical zones with limited access, and to define recommendations for improving spatial coverage of healthcare services.

 Materials and Methods: The methodological framework involves the integration of vector and raster data (administrative boundaries, settlement networks, road infrastructure, locations of healthcare facilities, demographic indicators, and a digital elevation model) and the application of network analysis methods. Time accessibility zones (5, 10, and 15 minutes of driving distance) around the nearest healthcare facility were created, along with an analysis of their overlap with the spatial distribution of the population.

 Results: The results indicate that a significant number of settlements, especially in hilly and mountainous areas, remain outside the optimal time accessibility zones. Based on the findings, interventions have been proposed, including the establishment of additional clinics, the deployment of mobile healthcare teams, and improvements to transportation connectivity, to reduce spatial inequalities in access to healthcare.

 Conclusion: The study confirms that GIS methodology provides a reliable and efficient tool for quantitative and visual assessment of accessibility and can significantly contribute to strategic planning and the optimization of the healthcare network at the local level.