Spatial Distribution and Service Coverage Analysis of Primary Health Centres in South West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya, India

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze the spatial distribution and service coverage of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in South West Garo Hills district, Meghalaya, North East India, using geospatial techniques to assess accessibility and planning efficiency. Methodology: The study was conducted from March to September 2025, using secondary data from geographic, demographic, and administrative sources. Eleven PHCs were analyzed using Nearest Neighbor Analysis to determine whether their spatial arrangement was clustered, random, or dispersed, with the Nearest Neighbor Index quantifying the degree of dispersion. Thiessen Polygon analysis was employed to delineate service areas for each PHC and assess spatial coverage and locational efficiency. Geographic boundary shapefiles facilitated accurate spatial mapping. Results: The Nearest Neighbor Index was 1.24, indicating a generally dispersed distribution, with the mean observed distance between centers (5.35 km) exceeding the expected distance (4.32 km). Thiessen Polygon analysis revealed significant variability in service areas, with some PHCs covering extensive regions, suggesting reduced accessibility, while others served smaller, more localized zones. These disparities highlight uneven health service availability, particularly in remote and geographically challenging areas. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for strategic reallocation of existing PHCs and establishment of additional facilities, considering population distribution and terrain, to enhance equitable healthcare access. Geospatial analysis proves valuable for evidence-based planning, supporting targeted interventions to improve the efficiency and accessibility of rural health infrastructure.