GPS-Based Market Mapping for Pharmacies, Hospitals, and Doctors in Iraq
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE
Understanding the distribution of healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and medical supply chains is critical for optimizing distribution strategies and improving access to essential medicines. To achieve this, a nationwide geo-mapping initiative was conducted in Iraq, leveraging mobile-based GPS tracking and multimedia capture.
The primary objective was to create a database of pharmacies, wholesalers, and hospitals by tracking their GPS locations and collecting multimedia data (photos, barcodes, and infrastructure details). This initiative aimed to enhance distribution planning, improve monitoring capabilities, and provide clients with valuable insights into local market structures.
PROJECT APPROACH
To ensure accurate and comprehensive data collection, a structured geo-mapping methodology was implemented:
- Field Data Collection via Mobile Solution: Mobile agents were deployed across key cities to collect GPS-tagged data on pharmacies, hospitals, and wholesalers.
- Multimedia Capture & Verification: Photos (indoor and outdoor) were taken for each facility to verify location authenticity and operational conditions.
- Geo-Mapping & Market Segmentation: Facilities were categorized into hospital pharmacies, large retail pharmacies, small retail pharmacies, and hospitals for better market segmentation and distribution analysis.
- Database Development & Integration: A structured database was created with over 3,700 pharmacies and 200+ wholesalers, including multimedia and GPS information for strategic planning.
- Insights for Distribution Optimization: Analysis of local distribution structures, supply chain relationships, and market gaps was conducted to support better resource allocation and logistics efficiency.
OUR METHODOLOGY
A combination of GIS mapping, mobile data collection, and analytical frameworks was employed to ensure a comprehensive and accurate dataset:
- Mobile Data Collection & GPS Tracking
- Field agents captured GPS coordinates, timestamps, and multimedia evidence for every mapped pharmacy and hospital.
- Data were uploaded in real-time to a central application server for validation.
- Multimedia Documentation for Verification
- Collected indoor and outdoor photos for each location to provide visual confirmation of operational status.
- Captured infrastructure details such as size, layout, and available stock categories.
- Market Segmentation & Geo-Tagging
- Classified healthcare facilities into different categories (hospital pharmacies, large street pharmacies, small retail pharmacies, and hospitals).
- Used geo-mapping analytics to visualize and understand spatial distribution and accessibility gaps.
- Database Structuring & Analysis
- Developed a structured database with location intelligence, operational insights, and supply chain linkages.
- Integrated data with client dashboards for real-time monitoring and planning.
- Distribution & Supply Chain Optimization
- Identified high-density pharmacy clusters and underserved regions for strategic distribution adjustments.
- Provided recommendations for supply chain efficiency and logistics planning.
THE RESULTS
The geo-mapping initiative provided valuable insights into healthcare facility distribution and improved supply chain decision-making:
- Developed a Structured Database: Over 3,700 pharmacies and 200+ wholesalers were mapped with detailed GPS and multimedia information.
- Improved Distribution Planning: Clients gained real-time visibility into pharmacy and hospital locations, supporting better logistics and resource allocation.
- Enhanced Market Understanding: The geo-mapping analysis provided critical insights into regional distribution patterns, market saturation, and underserved areas.
- Optimized Supply Chain Efficiency: Clients were able to fine-tune distribution networks, identify bottlenecks, and enhance accessibility of medical supplies.
By utilizing real-time GPS tracking and geo-mapping analytics, this project provided data-driven insights that significantly improved healthcare distribution planning and market intelligence in Iraq.
