Medical Services in the Umm Al-Razm Area and Their Role in Health-Related Quality of Life

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the current state of medical services in the Umm Al-Razm area and to clarify their role in improving the population’s health-related quality of life by examining the geographical distribution of health facilities, the efficiency of the services provided, and the available human resources.

The study reveals a clear spatial inequality in the distribution of medical facilities, with most services concentrated in specific neighborhoods, while other areas lack basic healthcare services. The results also indicate a shortage of health service levels and specialized clinics, as well as limited bed capacity at Umm Al-Razm General Hospital relative to the population size, leading to overcrowding and long waiting times. Furthermore, the study identifies an imbalance in health planning, manifested in a shortage of physicians compared to a relative surplus of nursing and pharmaceutical staff, in addition to inadequate ambulance and emergency services. Despite some positive indicators of health-related quality of life, high household healthcare expenditures impose economic burdens, highlighting the need to improve the efficiency and quality of medical services in accordance with modern standards.