SPATIAL INEQUALITIES IN THE PROVISION OF PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES IN OYO STATE

Abstract

This paper examines the spatial pattern of the provision of private health facilities and what
the pattern portends for health needs in an era of global warming using the 33 Local
Government Areas of Oyo State as spatial units of analysis. The data used for this study were
collected from Oyo State Hospital Management Board and the National Population
Commission. The findings of the study generally show that there are enormous spatial
inequalities in the provision of private health facilities in the study area. Gini Coefficient and
the associated Lorenz Curve confirm that there is generally an unequal distribution of private
health facilities in the study area. The curve suggests that the most vulnerable segment of the
population to the health consequences of global warming are precluded from utilizing private
health facilities. Oyo state’s experience thus shows that there is need for policy measures
that will ensure unrestricted access to health facilities in an era of global warming.