A Solution Procedure for Fixed Mammography Unit Location-Allocation and Mobile Mammography Unit Routing Problems

Abstract

This paper addresses the Mammography Unit Location-Allocation and Mobile Mammography Unit Routing problems. The objective is to maximize coverage of the target population and cover unmet demand with fixed mammography units by using mobile units. It is proposed a sequential solution procedure for solving, in which the first problem is solved by using an exact method, and the second one through a heuristic algorithm with the uncovered municipalities from the first problem as input. This proposal was tested in three scenarios from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The results show that the coverage of this state can be fully met with 84 additional mobile units, considering the current location of the fixed equipment and the restriction of the municipalities’ service to their healthcare micro-regions. However, if this requirement is not imposed, 42 units are sufficient. Finally, by allowing the equipment to be relocated, only nine units are needed.