The impact of inadequate healthcare infrastructure on rural migration during crises: A case study of Mashhad County

In recent decades, rural-to-urban migration has emerged as one of the most significant consequences of inadequate essential infrastructure in developing countries. This research, employing an interpretive qualitative approach, investigates the impact of deficiencies in healthcare infrastructure on rural migration during crises, using Mashhad County as a case study. The primary objective is to explicate the decision-making mechanisms for migration among rural households that have relocated to urban areas due to poor access to medical services. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with migrants and analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis to extract core themes from lived experiences. Findings indicate that the relationship between health infrastructure and rural migration under crisis conditions is a multifaceted and complex process. Four main themes were identified: (۱) Lack of access to specialized care during crises as the primary push factor, (۲) The exacerbating effect of natural disasters and environmental events on the collapse of local health services, (۳) Migration as a strategy for investing in the health and future of children, and (۴) Post-migration socio-psychological consequences, including insurance challenges and feelings of isolation in the urban environment. The results suggest that migration in this context is not merely a reaction to poverty or financial scarcity, but rather a multi-dimensional response to the lack of health security and the fragility of vital health structures during critical periods. Theoretical analysis revealed that the weakness of specialized infrastructure, the instability of specialized medical personnel, and the inefficiency of health systems in facing natural hazards are effective factors in accelerating migration. Ultimately, the research emphasizes that improving rural health infrastructure is necessary not only as a development solution but also as a tool for managing migration flow during crises, as ensuring sustainable access to health services reinforces a sense of belonging and social security in the origin areas.

کلیدواژه ها:

Migration ، Infrastructure ، Healthcare ، Development ، Mashhad