MAPPING HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBILITY IN SÃO CARLOS-SP: A 2-STEP FLOATING CATCHMENT AREA APPROACH FOR ACCESSIBILITY ANALYSIS

Healthcare is a Brazilian constitutional right. However, many citizens still struggle with poor accessibility to healthcare facilities. This research aims to investigate the accessibility of the urban population of São Carlos-SP to healthcare facilities, using the 2-Step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) method to evaluate the level of accessibility to health centers, emergency rooms, and hospitals. The following aspects were considered in the analysis: available doctors, hospital beds, and walkable distances. The outcomes show that Cidade Aracy, the most populous and economically vulnerable area in the city, has good accessibility to healthcare facilities. However, Jardim Embaré, a recently urbanized area, lacks adequate access, highlighting the need to improve distribution of public health services. The research emphasizes the importance of spatial analysis in identifying areas with limited healthcare access. By identifying these areas, policymakers can develop targeted strategies to enhance healthcare service distribution and improve overall accessibility for the population.