Walmart, a massive retailer, has launched the Walmart Healthcare Research Institute (WHRI), which it claims is a project meant to increase community access to medical research.
“WHRI will be focused on revolutionary programs and treatments that can make a difference in underserved communities, including older people, rural residents, women, and minority populations,” a Walmart news release stated.
The company claims that clinical trials traditionally have not been representative of the broader population since they usually engage volunteers who live nearby research sites and have the time and finances to participate. According to data from the Food and Drug Administration published by Walmart, 75% of trial participants in 2020 were white, 11% Hispanic, 8% Black, and 6% Asian.
According to the press release, Walmart is concentrated on research that might affect health equity in the areas it serves and reflect all groups. 90% of Americans reside within 10 miles of a Walmart, therefore the business can provide care by going where its clients and patients are.
As part of its competition with Amazon, Walmart has been stepping into the healthcare sector more and more. A ten-year agreement was reached last month between the firm and UnitedHealth to combine their complementary skills and resources to offer affordable healthcare.
