The retail giant cited a 'challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs' in its move to exit the primary care market after five years.

A Walmart spokesperson said: 'The decision to close all 51 health centres across five states and shut down the virtual care offering was not easy. We understand this change affects lives – the patients who receive care, the associates and providers who deliver care and the communities who supported us along the way. 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 centres in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Texas targeted mainly rural, low-income and underserved communities.

Walmart, which announced the decision at the end of April, said no decision had yet been made on dates for the closures.

The company said it would continue to operate its 4,600 pharmacies and 3,000 vision centres.

US health care providers are struggling amidst a climate of labour shortages and soaring operating costs.

Amazon announced job cuts at its One Medical primary care and Amazon Pharmacy units in February with Walgreens signalling the closure of 160 clinics in April.

The Walmart closures mean low-income families will have to travel further for primary care with 90% of Americans living within 10 miles of its stores.