Development Of A Geospatial Database Of Public Healthcare Facilities In Uruan Local Government Area Of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Health represents one of the most basic human needs and has no doubt a profound impact on the welfare and productivity of the individuals, hence attempt was made by three ties of government to provide adequate health facilities particularly at the grass root to meet the aspiration of the general public. This study aimed at developing a geospatial database of Public Healthcare facilities in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, with a view to ensure effective utilization and qualitative planning and decision support system in the area. The objectives included: acquiring primary and secondary dataset of the study area, to create a Geographic Information System (GIS) database of Public Healthcare facilities in the area; developing spatial and attribute queries to aid the Geospatial mapping of healthcare facilities; and developing a Geospatial map of Public Healthcare facilities in the study area. The methodology applied included: collection of data of all criteria associated with developing a Geospatial map of Public Healthcare facilities and the production of the final evaluation map. Data was collected through ground visits and via downloads through earth explorer. The Data choice was guided by the literature review conducted using GIS processes. The result of the study shows that only one secondary health facility is located in the area which is not able to serve her teeming population. The study recommends building of more secondary health facilities in the area, a geospatial upgrading of facilities in health centers and updating of the available information.

Keywords: Development, Geospatial, Database, Healthcare, Remote Sensing.