Spatial evaluation of healthcare accessibility across archipelagic communities of Maluku Province, Indonesia

The Maluku Province is an underdeveloped region in Indonesia with over 1,340 scattered islands. Due to the limited health facilities and transportation infrastructure, access to healthcare is very challenging. Here, we combined data from various sources to locate the population clusters, health facilities, roads, and ports/docks, and then utilize geographic information systems (GIS) to estimate distances from residents to health facilities. Health workforce distribution data was then integrated to elucidate overall healthcare equity among districts in the province. The average distances to puskesmas (primary health clinics) were 8.89 km (by land) and 18.43 km (by land and water) respectively, and the average distances to hospitals were 56.19 km (by land) and 73.09 km (by land and water), with large disparities within and among districts. Analysis of health workforce data shows that 65% of 207 puskesmas lack physicians, while 49% lack midwives. Ambon, Tual, and Southeast Maluku have the highest health equity, while East Ceram, Buru, and South Buru have the lowest. In general, this study demonstrates the utility of GIS and spatial analyses, which can help identify problem areas in healthcare accessibility and equity in archipelago settings, and provide recommendations to stakeholders such as public health officials and district administrators.