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Volume :7 Issue : 2 2000
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A Multi-Objective Model for Locating in-Patient Facilities
Auther : Massod A. Badri & Jamal M. Al-Mehairi
The paper provides a comprehensive methodology for locating medical facilities and for allocating people from various districts to these facilities. The methodology is based on linear Integer goal programming. The model considers many criteria for the location-allocation problem. The factors include, the minimization of average distance and time, the minimization of fixed and operating costs, the satisfaction of the number of facilities desired for future planning and expansion, and the satisfaction of demand and supply of medical services. The model is applied to the City of Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates. Through continuous interaction with authorities and decision-makers, the model is seen to be a valid representation of the location-allocation problem. In addition, decision-makers asserted that the model has provided them with an opportunity to better understand the problem and the interaction of factors considered in real-life situations.