Spatial Accessibility and User Travel Characteristics Influencing Utilization of Public Healthcare Facilities in Indian Rural District: A Case Study of Hapur District

This study delves into the spatial accessibility of healthcare facilities in the rural district of Hapur, India, emphasizing the role of travel characteristics and road networks in healthcare utilization. The research identifies key factors influencing healthcare access, including affordability, availability, acceptability, geographic accessibility, and accommodation. Through a primary survey and GIS analysis, the study reveals that the willingness to travel to healthcare facilities decreases as distance increases, and current radial distance guidelines are often exceeded. The findings highlight significant disparities in healthcare access within different blocks of the district, with some areas experiencing poor or zero accessibility. The study concludes that increasing the number of healthcare facilities and improving road networks can enhance accessibility and health outcomes. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of considering both spatial and non-spatial parameters in healthcare planning. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for planners and authorities aiming to allocate healthcare facilities more effectively and ensure equitable access to healthcare services.