In a surprise move, Walmart (Bentonville, Ark.) has decided to close all 51 of its Health Centers. After operating a growing number of clinics for five years, “We determined there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue,” the retail giant said in a news release.
In its coverage of the story, The New York Times said Walmart started the clinic initiative in 2019 in Dallas, Ga., with centers providing primary care, labs, X-rays and electrocardiograms, counseling, and dental, optical and hearing services. Many were in smaller towns where customers might lack access to quality care, and the company had said it was focused on affordability.
Just over a year ago, the Times noted, Walmart said it planned to double its health center locations, and that by the end of 2024, it expected to have more than 75 Walmart Health Centers and expand to states like Missouri and Arizona.
“The decision to close all 51 health centers across five states [Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Texas] and shut down the virtual care offering was not easy,” the company statement said. “We understand this change affects lives – the patients who receive care, the associates and providers who deliver care and the communities who supported us along the way,” the statement continued. “This is a difficult decision, and like others, the challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs create a lack of profitability that make the care business unsustainable for us at this time.”
The company added that it does not yet have specific dates for when each center will close but will share that information as soon as decisions are made.