A GIS approach to plan and deliver health care services to urban poor: a public-private model for Ahmedabad city, India

Abstract

Purpose – To provide a public private partnership (PPP) model for urban health centres (UHC) in developing countries that can be useful for urban local governments and private service providers willing to enter into meaningful partnerships so as to improve primary healthcare services. Design/methodology/approach – This research is based on geographical information system methodology to identify suitable locations to address availability, access, affordability and equity concerns and to provide a practical framework for PPP for establishing UHC. The methodology involved survey and mapping of slum communities and private healthcare facilities. Findings – The research provides intricate details about planning healthcare services for urban poor, operational and managerial aspects of service provision and processes involved in PPP for urban health. Research limitations/implications – The model is developed and tested for Ahmedabad city (sixth largest city in India) and may need a certain amount of customisation for application in other cities. Practical implications – The outcome of the research is a working model based on a set of legal documents (memorandum of understanding) signed by all the PPP stakeholders. This model is useful for planning and managing similar healthcare facilities in other cities with adequate context-specific modifications given the increasing importance of urban health. Originality/value – While a range of published work provides theoretical frameworks for PPPs in general and for urban health in particular, our model has field-tested all the steps for establishing a PPP model for solving urban health problems. The proposed UHC will start functioning in its new premises soon.