Introduction: This study investigates the distribution of medical facilities in Yazd using Geographical Information System (GIS) to evaluate access to these services. The investigated facilities include general and specialist doctors' offices, public and private hospitals, and pre-hospital emergency services.
Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted in 2022. Spatial data related to medical facilities, hospitals, emergency services, population distribution and urban zoning of Yazd were collected and organized in Excel format. Distribution maps were created for each type of facility and existing indicators and standards were identified through document studies. These data were analyzed using models such as hot spot analysis, Thiessen polygons, two-step floating catchment model, and average nearest neighbor distance.
Findings: The results show that the average distance between doctors' offices is 346 meters and their deployment pattern is clustered, the distance between hospitals is 1941 meters with a random pattern, and the distance between emergency units is 1534 meters with a scattered deployment pattern. The major concentration of doctors' offices in the historic district and hospitals and emergency services are mainly located in zone two, which is the hot spot with high population density, while the historic district is identified as the cold spot with low population density. The access scores show the disproportion between the distribution of treatment facilities and population density, and a significant need is observed in areas one, three and four.
Conclusion: This study helps health policy makers and urban planners in using GIS to locate health care facilities in the future and aims to improve access and social justice.