Healthcare Systems Strengthening in Smaller Cities in Bangladesh: Geospatial Insights From the Municipality of Dinajpur

Abstract

Throughout South Asia a proliferation of cities and middle-sized towns is occurring. While larger cities tend to receive greater attention in terms national level investments, opportunities for healthy urban development abound in smaller cities, and at a moment where positive trajectories can be established. In Bangladesh, municipalities are growing in size and tripled in number especially district capitals. However, little is known about the configuration of health services to hold these systems accountable to public health goals of equity, quality, and affordability. This descriptive quantitative study uses data from a GIS-based census and survey of health facilities to identify gaps and inequities in services that need to be addressed. Findings reveal a massive private sector and a worrisome lack of primary and some critical care services. The study also reveals the value of engaging municipal-level decision makers in mapping activities and analyses to enable responsive and efficient healthcare planning.

Strengthening health service delivery and governance through institutionalizing ‘Urban Health Atlas’—A geo-referenced Information Communication and Technology tool: Lessons learned from an implementation research in three cities in Bangladesh

“…As such, participants thought it was a unique resource with many possible applications with respect to MNCH planning in complex urban settings. In fact, at the time of the workshop, these applications were being used by health planners to improve the distribution of MNCH health services in Dinajpur [ 33 ]. Planners employed UHA to identify and reduce duplication and service gaps among satellite centers and Extended Program on Immunization (EPI) sites and ensure that designated service providers were accountable for delivering services in designated wards.…”

“…Planners employed UHA to identify and reduce duplication and service gaps among satellite centers and Extended Program on Immunization (EPI) sites and ensure that designated service providers were accountable for delivering services in designated wards. The tool was also used for service re-allocation and emergency health service management in Dinajpur [ 33 ]. Using ward-wise population data available in UHA, decisions were made regarding emergency needs for Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), zinc tablets and other drugs:…”

Strengthening health service delivery and governance through institutionalizing ‘Urban Health Atlas’ - a geo-referenced Information Communication and Technology tool: lessons learned from an implementation research in three cities in Bangladesh

“…As such, participants thought it was a unique resource with many possible applications with respect to MNCH planning in complex urban settings. In fact, these applications were used by health planners to improve the distribution of MNCH health services in Dinajpur [30] by identifying and reducing duplication and service gaps among satellite centers and Extended Program on Immunnization (EPI) sites and ensuring that designated service providers were accountable for delivering services in designated wards. The tool was also used for service re-allocation and emergency health service management in Dinajpur [30].…”

“…In fact, these applications were used by health planners to improve the distribution of MNCH health services in Dinajpur [30] by identifying and reducing duplication and service gaps among satellite centers and Extended Program on Immunnization (EPI) sites and ensuring that designated service providers were accountable for delivering services in designated wards. The tool was also used for service re-allocation and emergency health service management in Dinajpur [30]. Using ward-wise population data available in UHA, decisions were made regarding emergency needs for Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), zinc tablets and other drugs:…”

Spatial-Performance Evaluation of Primary Health Care Facilities: Evidence from Xi’an, China

“…Providing the elderly population with convenient and equal access to public services is an important goal in the construction of a "people's city" in China. The equalization of PHC facilities has become a crucial aspect in addressing the health care needs of the elderly [42,43]. The spatial-performance evaluation of PHC facilities at the block scale can help optimize their spatial layout, achieve spatial equality and justice, and promote sustainable urban development [2].…”