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US retail giant Walmart has taken the surprising step to shutter its healthcare operations and close its 51 clinics, with the business blaming a lack of profitability for the move.
The Arkansas-based company launched its Health business, in 2019, offering imaging alongside primary care, dental care and telehealth. The initiative appeared to be progressing well, with Walmart expanding the programme to new sites several times over the past few years, including plans announced earlier this year to expand the number of doctor-staffed clinics to 70 by the end of 2024.
However, amidst rising costs and increasing competition, Walmart has now said It can no longer financially justify the effort.
Retail has long been seen as an attractive setting for imaging services, but does Walmart’s retreat mean that the tide has truly turned?
