Análise da conformidade da distribuição espacial estudo de caso: cidade de Maputo das farmácias com os critérios legais de localização definidos pela legislação reguladora, estudo de caso: cidade de Maputo

Abstract

The geographic distribution of pharmacies in Mozambique is regulated by Ministerial Decree No. 52/2010, which establishes fundamental technical criteria such as the minimum distance between pharmacies, proximity to public health facilities, and ideal population coverage per pharmacy. However, the practical application of this legislation faces challenges, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. This study aimed to assess the spatial conformity of pharmacies in Maputo City by integrating georeferenced data (pharmacies, health facilities, and population density) and applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques. The analyses performed included the creation of buffers, calculation of distances using a proximity matrix, density analysis, generation of Voronoi polygons, and application of the Zonal Statistics tool. The results indicate a high concentration of pharmacies in the city's central areas and a significant shortage in peripheral neighborhoods, such as KaTembe and KaNyaka. Furthermore, several pharmacies were found to be non-compliant with the minimum distance criteria between establishments, resulting in overlapping areas of influence. The analyses demonstrated that the distribution of pharmacies in Maputo City is not fully aligned with the established regulatory criteria, resulting in uneven patterns of territorial coverage. These inequalities can negatively impact equitable access to pharmaceutical services, especially in areas with higher population density and fewer units. The use of GIS has proven to be essential for diagnosing these disparities and supporting more effective public health planning and management strategies(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)