[Public free anonymous HIV testing centers: cost analysis and financing options]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Healthcare Management

Context:

• Hospitals providing free HIV services have historically been funded by lump sums.
• The French Ministry of Health introduced new financial allocation rules for public health services.
• Assessing the financial viability of HIV testing centers under different funding models is crucial.

Purpose:

• To estimate the annual cost of a public, free, anonymous HIV testing center.
• To compare the budgetary implications of three financing systems: historic block grant, a mixed system, and fee-for-services.
• To evaluate the financial impact on HIV clinics under new Ministry of Health guidelines.

Summary:

• The study estimated the total annual cost of an HIV testing clinic at 555,698 euros, with personnel and laboratory costs being the largest components.
• Under the historic block grant system, the clinic faced a deficit of 292,553 euros.
• A fee-for-services system demonstrated a positive financial balance, while the Ministry of Health's recommended mixed system largely covered expenses.

Impact:

• The findings highlight the financial challenges of public HIV services under traditional funding.
• The study provides data for policymakers to consider when reforming healthcare financing for public health initiatives.
• Results suggest that alternative funding models, like fee-for-services, could improve the financial sustainability of HIV testing centers.