Walmart Shuts Down 51 Health Centers and Virtual Care Service Amid Lack of Sustainable Business Model

Walmart has decided to close all 51 of its health centers across five states, as well as the Walmart Health Virtual Care service. This decision was made due to a lack of sustainable business model for these operations. The company’s provider partners will continue to serve existing patients until a specific date is provided. Despite the closure of these health services, Walmart will still offer other health and wellness services through its Pharmacies and Vision Centers. The company expressed a commitment to innovation and growth in its core businesses, mentioning the launch of the Walmart Healthcare Research Institute and other health programs to help customers live better. This decision marks a reversal from Walmart’s previous announcement about expanding its health centers just three weeks ago. The company had plans to add 18 more Walmart Health centers in Texas this year, but ultimately decided to shut down the existing operations. UnitedHealth Group also recently announced that it would be shutting down its Optum Virtual Care telehealth business.