Walmart to close health centers in retreat from offering medical care

Walmart is shutting down all of its health care clinics and virtual medical services, the nation's biggest retailer said on Tuesday, citing an inability to make the businesses profitable.

The announcement marks an abrupt reversal for Walmart, which five years ago stepped into health care in a big way, launching medical centers adjacent to its superstores and offering primary and urgent care, x-rays and dental work. 

Walmart described its sudden change of course as a "difficult decision," and cited a "challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs" as unsustainable.