GEOSPATIAL DOCUMENTATION AND GEO-DATABASE DEVELOPMENTS FOR HEALTH FACILITIES IN BIRNIN KEBBI METROPOLIS, KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigates the spatial pattern, distribution, and concentration of health facilities in Birnin Kebbi metropolis by creating a geospatial database using high order technology equivalent of the map in the field of Geography for visual representation. The categories of health facilities are Hospitals, Clinics, Maternity centers, and Dispensaries vis-à-vis their population was captured and mapped. The results of the analysis show a total of 24 health facilities in Birnin Kebbi Metropolis, eight (8) are privately owned, four (4) registered with State Ministry for Health and four (4) not registered and Sixteen (16) are publicly owned. In addition, there are three (3) secondary health care centers, the Federal Medical Center, four (4) Primary Health Centers, four (4) Post Primary Health Centers and four (4) Clinics. Our findings revealed the disproportionate distribution of health care facilities in Birnin Kebbi metropolis. The underlying reasons for this remain poorly known. A further study which will map healthcare facilities in relation to population distribution is therefore recommended. Because the identification and mapping of health facilities vis-à-vis the geospatial database creation will help decision makers plan and take a decision with complete confidence using maps.  Article visualizations