Walmart to close its 51 health centers, virtual care service

Walmart is closing its health centers and virtual care service as the retail giant has struggled to find success with the offerings.

Walmart, which launched its health centers five years ago, said Tuesday that it's learned through managing the health centers and virtual service that “there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue.”

Walmart had 51 health centers in five states, with the goal of helping people save money on their health care needs. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company opened its first health center in 2019.

“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 said in a statement.