Wal-Mart has launched themselves into the forefront of the national health care debate by announcing that they’re expanding the available locations of walk-in in-store health clinics. On top of the 100 that they currently offer, Wal-Mart plans to open up an additional 400 locations in three years, with up to 2,000 additional locations in seven years (more info via Blogging Stocks).
Currently, the retailer operates walk-in health clinics in stores located in 12 states throughout the South and Mid-West (source). These clinics “offer essential preventative and routine health services for a standard set of common health aliments and screening needs that can be performed without urgent or emergency care” (source).
I support this move and think that it is a good move for the retailer, for several reasons.
The first, is the good will nature of the deal. They’re offering an affordable healthcare alternative for people in areas that may not otherwise be able to afford it. I’ve seen a lot of these walk-in health clinics open up in my area lately and have used them myself in instances where my regular doctor was not available. I like this blog, written by Dr. Bill Crounse, which argues about the positive benefits of these types of walk-in clinics.
This move also brings in money, with little risk to the retailer, since they are renting out the space for the walk-in clinics, and not actually providing the service.
Last, I see this as another way for Wal-Mart to keep people coming back and keep them at Wal-Mart. Dubious as it may be, this is another way the retailer can provide something for everyone. After your get checked out at the clinic, customers will shop for groceries while their prescription is being filled at the Pharmacy.
Typically, I’m not a very pro-Wal-Mart guy, but I do like this announcement.