Walmart to close health centers in retreat from offering medical care

Walmart is shutting down all of its health care clinics and virtual medical services, the nation’s biggest retailer said on Tuesday, citing an inability to make the businesses profitable.

The announcement marks an abrupt reversal for Walmart, which five years ago stepped into health care in a big way, launching medical centers adjacent to its superstores and offering primary and urgent care, x-rays and dental work. 

Walmart described its sudden change of course as a “difficult decision,” and cited a “challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs” as unsustainable.

The clinics to be shuttered are in five states: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri and Texas, according to Walmart, which said it does not yet have specific closure dates.

Employees impacted by the closures are eligible to transfer to other Walmart or Sam’s Club locations, and those that don’t opt to switch to another store will get 90-days pay and severance benefits, the company said.

The retailer will continue running its nearly 4,600 pharmacies and more than 3,000 vision centers across the U.S., it said. 

Walmart is not alone in looking to expand into the health and wellness business.

Amazon runs a web pharmacy and telehealth service called Amazon Clinic, which uses third-party medical providers to help treat less serious conditions, like pink eye.

The e-commerce giant in 2022 shut down a separate hybrid virtual and in-home care service it spent years developing, a surprising move at the time, illustrating the difficulties retailers and others face in getting into the heath care business

Source link

Related Posts

How Circadian Alignment Can Transform Your Health

Today I’m excited to dive into the topic of circadian alignment, including circadian fasting and using light, food, and sleep as major circadian signaling cues. I got the idea from…

Read more

Apple Cider Vinegar Baths (and Why You Should Try One)

Many types of baths are great for detox and relaxation. One of the simplest ones though is a DIY apple cider vinegar bath. They’re great for skincare and with just…

Read more

Sweet Asian Salad Dressing

In my younger years, I loved Chinese food (especially of the PF Chang variety) and ate it often. I cringe to think how much MSG, high fructose corn syrup, and…

Read more

2025 Valentine’s Day Gifts Ideas (That Beat Chocolate and Flowers!)

I know I might sound unromantic, but something in me rebels against commercialized holidays (like Valentine’s Day). You won’t find me buying heart-shaped boxes of candy or flowers that will…

Read more

Hibiscus Rose Herbal Marshmallows

Marshmallows are always a big hit in our household. Years ago I created my basic marshmallow recipe (with optional probiotics!) and I’ve done a few spin-offs from there. This rose…

Read more

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip: The Perfect High-Protein Snack or Meal

Once upon a time, I invested in a cottage cheese brand because it was delicious and reminded me of my childhood. I’m still grateful to this day that I did…

Read more

Leave a Reply