Accessibility to medical facilities in the rural areas of Ekiti state, Nigeria

Abstract

Accessibility which could be seen as state or quality of being accessible plays a prominent role in the patronage of facilities, especially, medical services. It is a relative quality accruing to a piece of land by virtue of its relationship to a system of transport. The study employed data from both primary and secondary sources and use spatial interaction model and facility provision model as bases for its theoretical underpinnings.  Accessibility in the area was considered in the area of road condition, hours spent by the patrons and the cost of transport by the patrons. Results showed that transport situation in the area was fair while hours spent by the patrons in the course patronizing medical facilities were minimal and the cost of transport was equally minimal. The study suggested in locating medical facilities the decision maker should see how such location will result to minimum cost on the consumers in obtaining the services. The study is of benefit to policy makers and researches.

Key Words: Medical services, accessibility, conceptualization and
implications