The Distribution of Ayurvedic Healthcare Facilities in Gorakhpur District, Uttar Pradesh: A Spatial Analysis

Abstract

The Indian Knowledge System signifies health as a cordial relationship between mind, body, and environment, where Ayurveda is a foundation of holistic well-being. Whereas the healthcare infrastructure lacks in most of the populous states such as Uttar Pradesh. This study demonstrates the spatial distribution and its accessibility to Ayurvedic healthcare facilities in rural parts of Gorakhpur District. It has an objective of identifying the intra-district disparity in Ayurvedic healthcare availability and its accessibility in Gorakhpur district, part of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Materials and Methods: The study has used the data from SPIDER (Sankhyikiya Patrika Internet-Based Data Entry and Retrieval), the Ministry of AYUSH, health records from the Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the Census of India, 2011. The data have been analyzed using population-facility ratio and location quotient, and these are shown on a choropleth map using ArcGIS. Results and Discussion: The study shows the uneven distribution of Ayurvedic healthcare facilities in the district, which indicates the obstacle of Ayurvedic access to the desired population which further leads to a barrier in achieving the Universal Health Coverage goals. This study underscores the need for GIS-based planning, implementation and monitoring of policies focusing on rural accessibility, and awareness among the population about the importance of Ayurvedic medicines and their benefits.