Walmart is set to open its first health clinic in Texas next month, marking the beginning of a plan to open 70 across the U.S. by the end of the year. The company currently has 48 Walmart Health centers in five states and plans to add 22 more locations in 2024, expanding its presence in Texas and entering new markets in Missouri and Arizona. Dr. David Carmouche, Walmart’s senior vice president of healthcare delivery, emphasized the company’s focus on delivering convenient and personalized healthcare that is inclusive of multiple service lines.
This move by Walmart comes as competitors like Amazon and CVS Health also expand their presence in the healthcare industry. Amazon’s doctor-staffed One Medical Clinics are growing into new markets, while CVS Health has added Oak Street health centers for seniors covered by Medicare. While Walgreens has invested in VillageMD, the company has faced challenges due to expanding too quickly and exiting certain markets. Walmart, on the other hand, has described its health clinic expansion as more “measured,” emphasizing a community-focused approach.
The expansion of Walmart Health includes opening new centers within Walmart Supercenters, each approximately 5,400 square feet in size. These centers will offer a suite of health services including primary care, dental care, behavioral health, labs and X-ray, as well as telehealth services through Walmart Health Virtual Care. The company’s approach to growing its footprint takes into account the unique needs of each community, with a focus on providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to patients.
Walmart’s first health clinic in Dallas, Georgia, was well-received by both Walmart shoppers and members of the community, leading to a positive response to the concept. Dr. Carmouche expressed excitement about expanding into Missouri and deepening their presence in Texas, with the goal of reaching 70 locations by the end of 2024. The company’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services in a convenient and personalized manner aligns with its mission to provide accessible healthcare options to its customers.
With a focus on community-oriented healthcare delivery, Walmart Health aims to provide a wide range of services that meet the needs of diverse patient populations. The company’s measured approach to expansion contrasts with the challenges faced by some of its competitors in the healthcare industry. By strategically opening new health clinics within Walmart Supercenters, Walmart is positioning itself to be a major player in the evolving landscape of healthcare providers, offering a comprehensive suite of services to meet the growing healthcare needs of its customers.
