THE IMPACT OF ADVERSE GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS RISK ZONES ON CAR TRAVEL TIMES TO HOSPITALS: CASE STUDY OF THE KVEMO KARTLI REGION, GEORGIA

Timely access to healthcare facilities is essential, as it can have a decisive impact on the outcome of any disease. Travel time is significantly affected by various factors, including extreme natural events. The purpose of the study was to consider the impact of adverse geological events on highways on the car travel time to the nearest hospital, and on this basis to identify served and underserved areas in terms of medical services in the Kvemo Kartli region. The findings revealed that only 5% of the Kvemo Kartli population resides in underserved areas i.e., outside the 45-minute car travel time to a hospital. However, this figure significantly increases to 38% when the impact of extreme geological events on the roads is considered, highlighting the region's vulnerability. These results can be instrumental in guiding efforts to improve healthcare availability in the region.