ASSESSMENT OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND RANGE OF SERVICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN IKWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the spatial distribution and range of service of public health facilities in Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Using primary location data collected via handheld GPS alongside secondary maps, geographical datasets were integrated into a GIS environment using ArcGIS 10.5. The study evaluated facility spatial patterns using average nearest neighbor analysis, while buffering and network analyses were applied to determine service coverage radii and optimal transit routes to referral facilities. The inventory identified public health facilities spread across the local government area, comprising one secondary healthcare facility (General Hospital Ikwo located in Ndufu Alike ward) and multiple primary healthcare facilities categorized into health centres, clinics/maternities, and health posts/dispensaries. Average nearest neighbor analysis demonstrated a spatially dispersed distribution pattern overall. Buffer analysis revealed that while most wards fall within the 15 km catchment zone of the central hospital, several southern wards including Amudo Okoffia, major parts of Etam, Ama Inyima, Ndiagu Amagu I, and Ndiagu Amagu II remain outside the service coverage area, creating severe physical accessibility barriers during medical emergencies. Additionally, coverage gaps were identified for lower-tier primary facilities using variable service radii. The study concludes that public healthcare infrastructure in Ikwo LGA suffers from geographical disparities and insufficient primary facilities relative to national framework recommendations. It recommends the formulation of a sustainable strategic plan that integrates non-governmental stakeholders to guide equitable future facility placement and improve health service delivery.