SPATIAL PLANNING STRATEGIES FOR MEDICAL FACILITIES IN IRAQI CITIES: THE CASE OF KARBALA

Abstract

This study aims to analyses the reality of health services in the city of Karbala in light of the rapid urban transformations and the continuous population increase witnessed by the city. The study focuses on the use of geographic information systems (GIS) techniques as an analytical tool to assess the distribution and spatial efficiency of health institutions within the general urban framework. The problem arises in the geographical imbalance between areas of health service availability and areas with clear health deprivation, which leads to imbalances in accessibility and increases pressure on functioning institutions. The study addresses identifying gaps in health service coverage, revealing disparities between regions in terms of population density versus availability of health facilities, and proposing strategies for better distribution. It also seeks to provide a planning vision that enhances spatial justice and supports the efficiency of the health system, in line with the requirements of sustainable development in Iraqi cities. The expected results of this study are an important input for the reformulation of health policies and urban planning on a scientific basis that considers population distribution and existing infrastructure.