The recent closure of all 51 Walmart Health centers in the US has left many customers feeling shocked and dismayed. These centers offered convenient and low-cost healthcare services, including virtual health care, primary and urgent care, labs, X-rays, behavioral health, and dental work in some locations. For customers like Cecilia Lee, the closure will make it difficult to easily access healthcare, especially for seniors who appreciated the convenience of combining medical appointments with shopping and other errands at Walmart.
Walmart cited profitability as the reason for the closure of its health centers, stating that there was not a sustainable business model to continue operations. The decision will affect six Walmart Health Centers in the Jacksonville area and has raised concerns about potential gaps in healthcare access in underserved areas with fewer primary care physicians.
Despite the closures of the health centers, Walmart’s pharmacy and vision services will remain fully operational. Employees at the health centers have been given the opportunity to transfer to other Walmart or Sam’s Club locations and receive severance benefits. While specific closure dates have not been announced yet, details will be shared with customers and employees as decisions are made. Walmart has also committed to helping patients find providers within their insurance network to ensure continuity of care.