Geospatial investigation of healthcare infrastructure disparities in Bathinda district of Punjab, India

Access to healthcare is a cornerstone of social well-being and equitable development, yet disparities persist, particularly in densely populated regions with inadequate infrastructure. This study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of healthcare distribution, accessibility, and inequities in the Bathinda district of Punjab, India. Utilizing advanced spatial analysis techniques such as average nearest neighbor analysis, equal weighted overlay approaches, Euclidean distance, and kernel density estimation, the research identifies significant spatial patterns and accessibility gaps in healthcare services. The disparities are evaluated against the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) using the coefficient of variation, providing benchmarks for identifying deficiencies and prioritizing underserved areas. The study reveals that 54% of the 281 villages in Bathinda district are supported by at least one healthcare facility, leaving 46% with limited or no access to essential medical services. In addition, blocks like Bhagta Bhaika and Sangat meet the Community Health Centers (CHC) norms but fail to fulfill necessary coverage for SubCenters (SCs) andPrimary Health Centers (PHCs), indicating uneven resource allocation. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare access in underserved areas by expanding infrastructure, boosting local healthcare capacity, and introducing mobile units. Enhancing transportation and leveraging geospatial monitoring are recommended to further improve service delivery, while policymakers must prioritize fair resource allocation to reduce disparities.