A Study on the Spatial Accessibility and Equity of Healthcare Facilities in Beijing

This study examines Beijing as its research area, employing the Enhanced Two-Step Travel Search Approach (E2SFCA) to systematically evaluate the spatial distribution patterns, accessibility characteristics, and equity levels of healthcare facilities from both driving and public transport perspectives. Results indicate that high-quality healthcare resources in Beijing are significantly concentrated in the central urban districts, with insufficient resources in the distant suburbs and ecological conservation zones. Healthcare accessibility exhibits a pronounced “core-periphery” decreasing concentric structure, with disparities being more pronounced when using public transport. Equity analysis indicates severe disparities in healthcare resource distribution, with substantial gaps between central urban areas and suburbs. Regions with high ageing populations generally face low accessibility, creating a dual vulnerability pattern of “high age – low resources”. Through quantitative spatial accessibility and equity assessments, this study reveals key contradictions and spatial disparities in healthcare resource allocation within megacities, providing scientific reference for promoting rational resource distribution and enhancing urban public service standards.