Optimal Placement of Fixed and Mobile Primary Healthcare Centers During Hajj

Abstract

This dissertation explores the optimal placement of fixed and mobile primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) to serve pilgrims during the Hajj in Makkah, focusing specifically on the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, and the transportation network connecting these areas. The immense influx of pilgrims places significant demands on the healthcare system, necessitating precise planning and management. To address this, we first define the geographical scope and key locations impacted by the event. We then employ an agent-based modeling approach integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to simulate pilgrim movements over the course of the Hajj. Subsequently, we analyze the capacities, costs, and operational parameters of both fixed (FPHCC) and mobile (MPHCC) primary healthcare centers. An integer programming model is formulated to determine the strategic placement and reallocation of these centers across 14 time periods, aiming to minimize setup, operational, and mobility costs associated with each type of center. Constraints include limited numbers of MPHCCs, restricted capacities, maximum allowable distances between demand points and PHCCs, and minimum coverage requirements. We then adjust key parameters such as maximum distance and minimum coverage to examine their impact on the solution and the resulting adjustments in PHCC locations. This analysis offers insights into how strategic healthcare deployment during Hajj can effectively meet the fluctuating demands of pilgrims, ensuring accessible and efficient healthcare coverage. The findings contribute to the broader field of healthcare logistics, particularly in the context of large-scale religious gatherings, providing a framework for improved healthcare readiness and response during similar events globally.