Walmart announced on Tuesday that it will be closing all 51 of its health care centers across five states and discontinuing virtual care services. After five years since the launch of Walmart Health centers, the company stated that it found there was not a sustainable business model for them to continue.

The decision to close all 51 health centers and end virtual care services was a difficult one that would impact not only patients, but also associates and communities that supported them. The health care business was deemed unsustainable due to challenges with reimbursement and rising operating costs.

Walmart did not provide specific closure dates but assured that impacted associates would have opportunities to transfer to other Walmart or Sam’s Club locations. Associates will receive pay for 90 days, and those who do not transfer or leave the company after this period will receive severance benefits.

While Walmart plans to shift its focus to its numerous pharmacies and vision centers, numbering close to 4,600 and over 3,000 respectively, it is important to note that the pharmacies will continue to provide immunizations, testing, and treatment services including access to specialty pharmacy medication and care. In recent years, the company has expanded the clinical capabilities of its pharmacy services to meet increasing demand.