Study of the Spatial Distribution of Ambulance Stations in the City of Bani Walid

It is important to provide the best possible healthcare services to citizens within the available resources in order to achieve a positive impact on health service systems (Emergency Medical Services, EMS). To achieve this, several key aspects must be considered, such as determining the location of emergency centers and the number of vehicles to be allocated to these centers. This paper aims to determine the optimal spatial distribution of healthcare services and improve the current situation in the city of Bani Walid, Libya. The researchers applied a mathematical model, known as the Location Set Covering Model, to Bani Walid in order to identify the most effective locations for medical services. The study of the current situation in the area revealed that the coverage rate of existing emergency stations is 98% with a 10-minute response time and 57% with a 5-minute response time, indicating that part of the area is not covered within these time frames. Using the proposed mathematical model, a minimum of three stations were required to achieve 100% coverage at a 10-minute response time, and eight stations were required to achieve 100% coverage at a 5-minute response time. The model also provided accurate distribution of centers while ensuring that all areas in the region are covered. Moreover, the current situation can be improved using the model by adding one additional station for a 10-minute response time and six additional stations for a 5-minute response time to achieve full coverage of the study area.