ANALYSIS OF LAND USE FOR EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH CARE USING GNSS TECHNOLOGY: A CASE STUDY OF IBADAN NORTH LGA

The equitable distribution of social infrastructure, particularly healthcare facilities, is central to sustainable urban development. However, rapid urban growth often disrupts planning standards, resulting in unequal access to essential services. This study investigates the spatial distribution of public healthcare facilities in Ibadan North Local Government Area (LGA) using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. The specific objectives were to identify and map healthcare facilities, examine their spatial patterns, and assess accessibility challenges faced by residents. Primary data were collected through GNSS field surveys and household questionnaires, while secondary data were sourced from official records and maps. Spatial analyses, including Nearest Neighbour Analysis, were conducted in ArcGIS, complemented by descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that healthcare facilities in Ibadan North are unevenly distributed, with higher concentrations in the northeastern and southern zones, while peripheral areas remain underserved. This uneven spread contributes to long travel distances, congestion in existing centers, and limited access for low-income households. The study concludes that current distributions of healthcare facilities does not meet population needs and that fairer distribution of healthcare facilities is necessary to achieve inclusive urban development. It is recommended that new centers be established in underserved areas, existing facilities be upgraded, and geospatial technologies be institutionalized in well planning and developing to promote equitable access and sustainable urban development.