Abstract
Geography plays an important role in planning and allocation of healthcare resources for an effective and efficient health system. Lack of statistical information analyzed using geostatistical tools then becomes a major bottleneck to proper planning and policy formulation in healthcare delivery. This study sought to compare existing health staffing, funding and medical supplies data given minimal national healthcare package, spatially explore the relationship between health service utilization and gaps in resource allocation, and to develop propositions to support the health policy. Facility survey and secondary data collection from the District Health Office and the Ministry of Health were utilized. Geographically Weighted Regression was used to spatially explore the relationships between Out-patient department attendance and gaps in health funding, staffing and stock-out days for essential drugs in health facilities. Global Moran’s I test was performed on the standard residuals to statistically test for their randomness. The analysis yielded local parameter estimates which were mapped to reveal the spatial variation of the relationships. There was strong influence of facility allocation gap in the North West diminishing towards South East, Strong negative influence of the staffing gap in the South West diminishing eastwards, and High influence of Stock-Out days in the South compared to the South West. Basing on the observations, the study proposed increased health vote while revising allocation based more on need other than solely on budgetary allocation of funds, increased staffing and providence of incentives for disadvantaged areas, and monitoring of drug supply and dispensing at health centres.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health services include all services dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of disease, or the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health
From the Table, it can be observed that Sironko district performed best in indicator 4: HIV testing in children born to HIV positive Mothers, and worst in indicator 7: 4th Antenatal care visit
It was observed that great disparities existed in health funding, staffing and supplies especially in the hard-to-reach mountainous areas of Sironko district
Summary
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health services include all services dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of disease, or the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health. Like all other human needs, the provision of equitable and effective health services is a fundamental contributor to the development at global, regional, national and sub national levels. Since only a healthy population can lead to sustainable development, the world community formulated the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the more recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address among others, health related challenges. MDGs 4, 5 and 6 are all directly targeting health concerns that need to be appropriately addressed so as to ensure a healthy and enduring population. In relation to MDGs on health, SDG 3 aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages”. Health services are a major area of concern both globally and locally. Most the continents of the world are grappling with poor health services despite the continued effort geared towards ensuring equitable and sustainable health systems for all people
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
